Glow plug issue?
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 527
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From: Jamestown Tn
Glow plug issue?
Hi, I have had a few issues lately with my truck starting in the cold. 10degrees or less usually. I did replace the glow plug relay 2 weeks ago and that helped it a lot. But today when i went to start it a (10 degrees, had it plugged in 4 hours overnight on a timer) I would start for nothing. After cycling many times it finally got going with the "romp romp thing type of start". It was real rough but it ran fine after that. So Last year i replaced the batteries also (2 new auto zone gold) because one was bad. So my guess is i have a few glow plugs going bad. Next question is I have to take it to a dealer to fix because I dont have the place or tools and the local guy i went to last time gave me a bad feeling about working on diesels. How big of a job is it? 1 day? I hope i can get it in early and get it back the same day.. any advice? Thanks Jeff
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 376
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From: South Dakota
How mechanically inclined are ya? Replacing the drivers glow plugs is fairly easy, the passenger side with all the crap you have to remove is a pain. There are posts here on how to check the glow plugs if you have a multi meter. All you have to do is disconnect the valve cover harness and ohm out the 4 wide pins to ground. .1-2.0 ohms is a good glow plug. My thought is one bad one on a side and you might as well replace them all since you are there. OReilleys had the cheapest Motorcraft ZD-11glow plugs around $8.50 a piece
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35
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From: Phoenix,N.Y
I just change all 8 of mine, And taking my time about 4-5 hours. It could have been quicker but i had to do beer breaks. Secondly I run 10-w40 amsoil heavy duty synthetic. It makes a big defference on cold morning starts.
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 527
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From: Jamestown Tn
I did call the stealer about the glow plug question also this morning. They said that they reccommend replaceing them all since they would be in there anyway approx 8-900 bucks ouch!!! does that sound right? Also what is the cost of the glow plug itself form ford anyway? thanks Jeff
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 527
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From: Jamestown Tn
I called another dealer that in the past has never screwed me. He is a real small town dealer with 2 sales people, so you get an idea of the size. Anyway i just called them and set up a appointment. He said they will test all the gp's first then let me know the results ans also give me a free loaner car to use. My next question is I have my DP tuner installed and on the stock mode. They should give me any static over having the tuner in it right? I mean stock is stock.. This isnt warranty service either so they dont need to find any excuses to not fix the problem. thanks Jeff
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
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From: Sterling Heights,Mi
Before you go after your glow plugs, please go in and check that you dont have loose, or dirty conections on you glow plug relay, or battery connections. It is amazing how many times something that easy will nip you in the bud....
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Phoenix,N.Y
DAMN 8-900 dollars They want to love you more than Uncle Sam. I just paid 65.40 for a set of 8 off ebay. (Indusa) My friend had his in for a couple years and no complaints out of him and he's not an easy person to pleases. But yes Go thruogh and clean all you connections and try that frist.As just another truck stated. But to do it yourself it easy if you have any common since and machanical ability. Your valve cover gaskets are reusible. so be careful with them. My truck is an 01, 7.3. The hardest part is pulling the after cooler tubing.
Last edited by jeff wilson; Mar 7, 2007 at 02:48 PM.
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
There's a good chance that your wiring harness's are coming unplugged under the valve covers. They tend to come out at an angle and then only half of the connectors are making any contact.
Replacing the glow plugs is a lot like doing some very slender spark plugs.
The best tool for the job is a 1/4" drive deep 10mm socket. You'll have clearance issues with a 3/8" drive socket and even the 1/4" will be sort of tight getting it out past the rocker arm.
Replacing the glow plugs is a lot like doing some very slender spark plugs.
The best tool for the job is a 1/4" drive deep 10mm socket. You'll have clearance issues with a 3/8" drive socket and even the 1/4" will be sort of tight getting it out past the rocker arm.