Hello all,

I have a 03 F350Sc, 7.3 4x4.

Yesterday am morning when I parked it at work, I accidentally hit the alarm button and it went off. I couldn't shut it off, so I got in, clicked the key over but didn't actually start the engine. The alarm went off, so I headed into work.
Then, last night after work I went out to start it up. Normal process, key, wait to start, crank. Turned over fine, but never caught. I cranked for maybe 8-10 seconds and stopped. Tried again, same deal. I though it had something to do with the alarm not resetting or something so I turned the key off, got out, locked it, unlocked it, got back in and cranked it again. This time it started - with a big puff of crap out of the exhaust which it NEVER does...just a bunch of fuel from turning it over?

Got home last night, shut off, left all night, this am it's totally fine. Anyone have any idea what the deal was? It's not super cold yet, maybe like 30 or so. Oil's full, filters clean, batteries good, not plugged in (not an option at work) but it was only like 30 or so. Is she pissed that it's cold and I haven't washed her in a while lol? I have to think it's something to do with that alarm - anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

 

oops...double post.

 

The big puff of smoke is just what you think...fuel getting shoved out. I always make sure to plug my truck in at night if it is going to be below 40. It will start without being plugged in and cold weather, I just don't like the extended cranking. But if it does get colder, it will take a couple of times to get her running...and I get the smoke from the first couple attempts. When at work...I just deal with it. If it gets to be about 30 here, then it will take a couple of attempts to get her going...then the infamous puff of smoke to choke the guy standing next to his car waiting for you to pull out. hehe.

 

I'll give it a shot tonight when I take off and see how it goes. It usually starts right up, a little more cranking when it's cold. This thing just had nada though. I'll cycle it a couple times first and see if it helps.

On a side note, I did like seeing that huge ball of crap blow all over the ricer parked next to me. He's probably got more of my oil ON his car than his own oil IN his car lol.

 

LOL That white cloud is kinda neat to watch slowly floating across the lot...but when it happens at home...as it reaches my horses, they start pinning thier ears back and snorting. Maybe thats why they always fart when I am standing behind them...paybacks!

 

lol...man, that's some funny stuff...I do pension crap all day long and it's pretty dry - I needed that!

 

Did the alarm and attempted starts drain the batteries enough to cause the no starts? Weak batteries + cold weather = no starts.

 

Not sure, I don't think so. Alarm only went off for maybe 30 seconds. Then a total of maybe 20 seconds of cranking. It turned over good, just wouldn't catch. Just did it again on the way home tonight. I checked the oil and it was actually down to the bottom of the "ok" marker on the dip stick. I always check it, always good...oh well. I know they're picky about oil, maybe that was just low enough to cause an issue starting?? All is fine when it's plugged in or already warm.

 

Me still thinks batteries. How old are they? Try hooking a charger up overnight and see if that causes a better start in the morning.

 

Maybe this is the kick in the pants I need to get new batteries. Maybe it is them, maybe not, buy they are 4 or 5 years old now so you could certainly be right. I better swap 'em out...

 

4-5 years on a set of batteries is good. They have to be getting close to their last breath.