Alright, I have searched the forum and the more I read the more turned around my head is. Even though I am retreading old topics here it is. My truck just won't start after sitting(how long I haven't figured out yet). The glow plug comes on for 5-10 sec then goes off. I turn the key and depending on how cold it is it turns over fine it just won't start. I have been using a shot of ether to get it started but really cold days are tough. Glow plugs were done about 2 years ago and I replaced gpr 2-3 wks ago. I would love to not use ether but am afraid of an expensive fix keeping me from getting a different truck.

 

welcome to F.T.E.
a few things. what engine, and what type glow plugs were put in??
50-10 seconds tells me you have a few dead glow plugs. on a cold engine, it should be longer.

 

What year is your truck? 87-94 IDI GP controllers will short cycle if 1 glow plug is cooked. If there is not a certain amperage draw it will try to protect the other glow plugs that are still working. Which basically they barely heat up and it will start very hard and colder the worse it gets. The 83-86 IDI GP controllers would run the same and cascade burn down the rest of the glow plugs or definatley shorten the other working glow plugs life. The 83-86 controller had better temperature control since part of it was immersed in the engine coolant and did not cycle the glow plugs everytime you turned on the key. The 87-94 controller would come on after everytime you turn the key switch for quick starting and reduced emissions but shortens your glow plug life.

If your going to buy glow plugs don't get cheap here get the Motorcraft Plugs with "BERU" stamped on the plug itself pull them out and look at them to verify. Anything else is just a waste of money especially those Autolites might as well just throw money out your window with those things.

Best way to go is make it a manual system then you can chose when your glow plugs come on.

 

how can we do that???

 

Be careful using ether. You could bend, break, or stretch something if a glow plug ignites the ether at just the right time. If you must use ether, then its probably best to disconnect the glowplugs altogether until you have a change to get them working better.

If you have a test light or ohm meter, disconnect each plug and test for continuity to ground. They should all be about the same. If one or more is dead, that's your problem. I'd replace them all. Also, make sure all the GP connections are clean and tight.

You might also try plugging it in for a while before starting if you have a block heater.

 

"Originally Posted by Winger235
Best way to go is make it a manual system then you can chose when your glow plugs come on."
Winger....we need you! Help us wire this thing up manual style. I posted this on another thread, but here goes again. A guy on ebay is selling a solenoid and instructions on how to do this. i asked him if he will sell the instructions only as i'd like to just buy the solenoid here in town. the wire, connections, and push button toggle will be a few bucks...he wants $60 + shipping for the little kit. has anyone out there done this? i took off my air cleaner and took a peak at the controller...i like tinkering, but NOT with electrical stuff...there were enough wires there to scare me away from "giving it a shot"...ending up shorting something out somewhere else and chasing it down for weeks is likely to cause a severe, long term nervous break down with all the other B.S. i have going wrong these days. thanks-nick

 

i concur with the ether. i used it for a little while when i had a few bad glow plugs and not enough money for the beru's. i BARELY got the plugs out of the head due to bloating at the tip. a few more starts and think i would have had a HUGE, expensive problem on my hands. they have non-ether type starting fluids, but not sure that would help stop the bulging glow plug problem...anyone know??

 

The bulging glow plug tip is common with Champion or Autolite glow plugs.
Ether has nothing to do with the tip bulging.

Check your other post, I posted my thoughts there.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...ng-enough.html
The link above will take you there as well mygravy, I think you have the same problem.

Also mygravy,
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.