Another Cold Start ? :)
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Another Cold Start ? :)
Ok...I just purchased an 88 f250 7.3 a few weeks ago. The ole girl has around 130k on her. She does not want to start in the morning (especially as its gotten colder). The "wait to start light never turns on"...she'll turn over forever...then I let her rest for 30 secs or so to not hurt the starter (per sunvisor) then I'll try it again. It takes about 3 minutes or more of cranking to get her fired. While turning over she smokes like a banchee...once she starts theres no smoke...and she'll crank all day w/ no issues. Here's my ? I've heard that its like a glow plug or glow plug controller issue. I'ver heard just to replace the controller...then the glow plugs if replacing the controller doesnt work. Is there any way to test these things so I dont have to toss parts at my truck? I guess for the glow plugs and controller I'm looking at @ least 200 dollars...maybe more (i'll install myself). What does everyone think? Thanks any help would rock.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
Test the glow plugs first, if you have a couple burnt out the controller will not turn the rest of them on.
Glow plugs usually don't last as long as the controller.
Besides the glow plugs cost less than a controller.
Glow plugs usually don't last as long as the controller.
Besides the glow plugs cost less than a controller.
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glow plugs
I'm fairly certain the glow plugs are toast. they're original to the truck...which is about 18 yrs old now. is there any way to test the glow plugs with an ohm meter ($20 test meter from Auto Zone) I dont have a test light...WAIT...i do have one that is used for interior home wiring...will this one work? I used it to fix some of my wiring mistakes on our addition (not 2 many 
The glow plugs appear to be under $100 at the local auto parts store. How long should they take to install? I dont have an f250 manual...maybe i can search this site and see how to install them... i really want to do it myself. thanks again for all the replies.
The glow plugs appear to be under $100 at the local auto parts store. How long should they take to install? I dont have an f250 manual...maybe i can search this site and see how to install them... i really want to do it myself. thanks again for all the replies.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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if ya think they are over a couple years old just replace with new motorcraft from autozone 9.99 each and to change out well deep socket and air to blow off around the plugs and be very gentle wit the old ones they have a tendicy to stick and get stuck coming out install with small amount of antisize on them if have any probs some one here will always help best bunch of people here on this site alot of good guys and ladys i would say
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right on. price on motorcraft parts from az and advanced are very good. i used to pay out the wazoo for motorcraft parts...still do for my older Mustangs. Everyone on this site has been great! Thanks
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I installed my new glowplugs...the truck started when it was warmer but now it will not start (at all). Any idea how to check the controller or one of the relays possibly? I just priced controllers and they are steep ($150). Thanks all!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
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From: Huntington Indiana
Best way to check quickly is to take one of the wires off a glow plug and check to see if you have voltage from the wire when the key is turned to on position. Use a volt meter and this will take 2 people to do it. If you don't have voltage- even for a second - when you turn on the key then controler is probably gone.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
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From: Huntington Indiana
Light doesn't come on? I'd say that is the problem. Controler/relay not working or no power to it.
Also I've heard that sometimes - the ignition switch goes bad it will not give power to the controler/relay to activate it.
Also I've heard that sometimes - the ignition switch goes bad it will not give power to the controler/relay to activate it.
Last edited by bigredtruckmi; Feb 8, 2007 at 12:06 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Huntington Indiana
Several years ago I purchesed a "diesel engine repair manual" from Haynes. I don't have it here right now but I got it from my local auto parts store. It gives pretty good detail info with some pictures. I've gotten thru many problems on my 93 because of this book. Yes it gives good info on your problem.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Ponyrides,
Welcome to the IDI forum.
This is a picture of your glow plug controller with the cover removed.
You will need to test the battery terminal for voltage, it should be hot at all times.
The ignition terminal should have voltage when the key switch is in the ON position.
If both of those are correct, use a piece of wire to ground the white wire terminal momentarly, the relay should click if it is good.
When it clicks, the glow plugs should be getting voltage and heating.
About 10 seconds is max for the glow plugs, more than that and you will burn up the new plugs.
If the relay works, you can convert the glow plugs to manual by running a wire into the cab to a push button from the white wire terminal.
Attach a wire to the other terminal of the push button and run it to a good ground.
To operate the glow plugs manually, turn the key to ON, push the button for 10 seconds, start the engine.
Welcome to the IDI forum.
This is a picture of your glow plug controller with the cover removed.
You will need to test the battery terminal for voltage, it should be hot at all times.
The ignition terminal should have voltage when the key switch is in the ON position.
If both of those are correct, use a piece of wire to ground the white wire terminal momentarly, the relay should click if it is good.
When it clicks, the glow plugs should be getting voltage and heating.
About 10 seconds is max for the glow plugs, more than that and you will burn up the new plugs.
If the relay works, you can convert the glow plugs to manual by running a wire into the cab to a push button from the white wire terminal.
Attach a wire to the other terminal of the push button and run it to a good ground.
To operate the glow plugs manually, turn the key to ON, push the button for 10 seconds, start the engine.