I have a 2002 powerstroke. When its cold in the morning(15degrees) and I dont plug it in truck will crank for a second and then just stop. Sounds like motor just stuck. Then if I cycle glow plugs a couple of times will start. If I plug it in truck will start fine. I have replaced starter twice with NAPA starters. Truck has new batteries. Have been told its probably a starter problem and not glow plug problem? I am new here and appreciate any help thanks bombero1.

 

What's the CCA (Cold cranking amp) rating on your batteries? How are your battery cables? I don't think it would be a glow plug problem. If your motor is cranking over and not firing up, then I would suspect a glow plug problem but you say it will only crank for a second and stop...that leads me to guess that your starter is not getting the proper juice it needs to crank over your motor.

 

I need to check the cca but im sure when i bought the new batteries they were as good as stock if not better. Also the cables are fine.

 

The cca on the batteries is 875. Thanks for any more info.

 

I would first inspect the batteries electrolyte levels and add distilled water as needed and then fully charge both your batteries seperately with a charger.
After charged check each cell in the batteries with a hydrometer
Load test your batteries with a good quality tester.
If all is well, now double check and clean all cable connectors (especially the grounds)
actually check this link out...good info:

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq4.htm


If good then I would suspect the starter.
If its tweaked a hair out of place, it could bind the impeller.
Might have a flywheel problem too but thats rare.
My money is on 1. weak battery(s) 2. poor ground connections 3. starter tweaked out of alignment 4. Starter defective.

That'll get you started and keep you busy for a while.
Don't shortcut anything because you might miss the cause and drive yourself nuts with wasted time and $$$ spent.( I speak from boneheaded experience) Be patient and methodical and you'll get it handled right.

Keep us posted...Good luck!

Austin

 

Oh and be sure to rule out the ignition switch too.
I'm old and tired...in that order.

Austin

 

Thanks for the info I will do that. Also when I changed the starter last time I was told to go from a two bolt starter to a three. Was that good? When you say tweaked starter do you think that would only cause it to stop when its cold? Because thats the only time I have trouble. Thanks ahead for any info.

 

Sorry for being unclear, I was just waking up. The armature in the starter motor has to be perfectly straight. If the armature is bent at all, it can bind up and stop the starter dead in its tracks. Then when the power is interupted it slacks just enough to straighten out so when you hit it again it turns.
Reading your symptoms again, I would bet your problem is in the starter.
Loosen the mounting bolts and wiggle it a bit and then tighten it back up and see if that changes it at all. The 7.3L is alot of machine to turn over and if somehow it is misaligned could cause your symptom.
If problem persists, start at the beginning and methodically check everything beginning with the batteries.
These trucks had some flywheel issues too but rare in comparison to starters. Lots of alternator problems too. I went through three in the first 25K mi on my '01. When an alt fails slowly it will slowly drain the batteries without any warning sign from the gauges. It happens a little at a time until they can't supply the current needed to turn it over. A lot of times it toasts the batteries in the process. Starting batteries can't handle the deep discharge well.
One of the worst things commonly done is when alternator is found to be bad, it is replaced and the low battery gets hammered by the new alternator and is ruined.
Always charge batteries with a charger first and go from there.
I'm tired, rambling and hungry. Need to eat and take a siesta. I'll check back later.

good luck,

Austin

 

Sounds like you have a bad GPR (glow plug relay). I just went through this myself a couple of weeks ago and now she starts every time. Read some of the older posts and you will get great direction from the guys on this site. Napa gpr109 worked on my truck $26.00.

 

Im back, I load tested the batteries they are good, checked alternator its good. Also loosed bolts on starter and retightened truck still did same next morning. I have checked the glow plug relay and it seems to be good. The only thing was this morning the truck started fine it got to about 25 last night. So truck only does it when sat overnight but not all of the time. Should I replace the starter again.