Hey, I started my 7.3 2 times so far and its been COLD. The tailpipe let out lots of smoke when it first started up.........is this normal?


Also, where can i DL an owners manual for my truck?


I will be using this truck to plow, should I be using a block heater? Where do I get it and how hard are they to install, I ran a search but didnt get much. Thanks!

 

Now that "Colder" weather is here, I guess we will see more of these type posts. I am a new owner myself and have learned that symptom is indicative of a Glow Plug related problem. Typically, it is often said to be a defective Glow Plug Relay, as this part is known to become defective. Without the Glow Plugs operating properly, I believe you get incomplete combustion until the cylinders get up to temp, creating the "cloud" of smoke. Additionally, the Under Valve Cover (UVC) Harness can become defective. It makes connection from the Glow Plug Relay to the Glow Plugs.

I would check the Glow Plug relay (on top of motor) first. There are two large studs and two small studs. One of the two large studs (with Rubber Boot) is always connected to battery supply. The other large stud will show power when the key is turned to the ignition position and the Wait To Start Symbol (Glow Plug) light is on. If you don't get power there, then check the smaller studs. One will have power and the other should have no power (Grounded) when called to activate.

We have just started having colder mornings (32 F) here in Southeastern PA. So far, my '02 7.3L does not smoke when started. This is my first winter. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Some people on the Forum stated they do not need to plug in their block heater until below Freezing and some have said below Zero. Switching to a 5W40 oil helps to get the engine started along with good batteries, which are needed to supply the high current used by the Glow Plugs. Some people also mentioned that their plug-in receptacle also uses a timer set to come on 2-3 hours prior to starting.

I just ordered a DVD Manual from eBay that has been recently mentioned here. Many have purchased it and all have said it is the real thing and well worth the $23.00.

 

What color is it and how long does it last? Per my manual, some white smoke during first startup when very cold outside is normal but should go away quickly especially if the AIH is still operational. GPs may figure into the equation if it gets hard to start and smokes longer/diff color.

That is a shop repair manual and it is a good one, but I believe he was asking for an owner's manual. Someone may have a line on that or do a search/google owners manual.

 

Mines smokes white in the mourning. It last about 10 seconds then cleans up really fast. I dont mean to hijack this thread but. When my starts and its cold it makes a whooshing sound from time to time through the exhaust. It goes away after a few minutes. My buddys PSD does the same thing. What is this? I cannot figure this out at all.

 

That ought to be the exhaust backpressure but I thought it had more of a jet engine sound. Might be more of a whoosh with a stock system. Does it stop if you tap the brake pedal? If so, that is what it is.

 

I dont know i never really tried to. It goes away for a second if i get the Rpms up. Then once its warmed up its gone. I guess it could sound more like a jet engine. It goes and comes really fast then disappears altogether.

 

I recently noticed my 7.3L making this noise, now that we have cold morning temps around 32 Degrees. When I first start it, it sounds normal. I then go back in the house to let it warm up a bit. When I go back out, I notice the "Jet Engine" type sound and the RPM is around 1000. When I tap the brake, the RPM drops back and I don't hear the sound anymore. Wonered what it was, thanks.

 

That's it. The exhaust backpressure valve supposedly is there to restrict exhaust gasses in order to provide "quicker warmth for cabin heat". I suppose it does this by attempting to trap the energy in the manifolding.

 

The white smoke is normal when it's real cold and you first start it up. If it doesn't go away, though, that's abnormal.

You can find owners manuals here:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp
(I went to google and typed in Ford owners manuals and that was the first result. )

Your truck should have a block heater already... they came with one from the factory. Look around near your driver side front tow hook. You should see a short power cord with a cap on the end, and it may be zip tied to something. If you have trouble finding it, lay under the truck and look up on the bottom of the driver side, you'll see an orange cord going into the block... you can follow that to find the end of the power cord. Plug that in about 3 hours before you want to start it (or use a timer) and it'll help make the cold starting easier on the engine. It's not necessary, as that's what the glow plugs are for, but it helps and makes things easier for your poor engine in colder temps.

You should hear it shriek when the EBPV is fully closed and you have your exhaust straight-piped. It is LOUD!