Normal cold start cranking time?
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Normal cold start cranking time?
94 F350 7.3 IDI turbo: This is my first diesel so I am not sure if there is a problem or is this just normal. How long does it normally take to start this motor at 45 deg?
I put the padal half way down, and have to crank for at least 30 seconds before it starts. It seems like it starts best when I allow the glow plug relay to click at least 10 times. The voltmeter swings each time it clicks. I have two new 1000 CCA batteries. I checked to see if the headlights dim when the "wait to start" is on and they do. I have a re-built injector pump, the truck starts just fine at 70F or above. Sometimes I have to put the pedal to the floor before it will start at 45 to 50 deg. The manual says floor it only when below 32 deg.
Does it normally take this long to start at 45F or is something wrong.
I put the padal half way down, and have to crank for at least 30 seconds before it starts. It seems like it starts best when I allow the glow plug relay to click at least 10 times. The voltmeter swings each time it clicks. I have two new 1000 CCA batteries. I checked to see if the headlights dim when the "wait to start" is on and they do. I have a re-built injector pump, the truck starts just fine at 70F or above. Sometimes I have to put the pedal to the floor before it will start at 45 to 50 deg. The manual says floor it only when below 32 deg.
Does it normally take this long to start at 45F or is something wrong.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,997
Likes: 2,742
From: Virginia
You still may have some glow plugs out. I have seen guys crank and crank their diesels to make them start, but I can't bring myself to hold onto the starter that long. I wait for the dash light to go out, and crank the engine for about 3 seconds. I then cycle the key again, the light goes out pretty quickly, and then 3 more seconds and it will start.
This morning is was about 25 degrees outside, so I had to do this routine about 3 times before it would start.
Ohm the glowplugs out and see if any are bad. The light in the dash will stay on longer if all of them are working.
This morning is was about 25 degrees outside, so I had to do this routine about 3 times before it would start.
Ohm the glowplugs out and see if any are bad. The light in the dash will stay on longer if all of them are working.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,997
Likes: 2,742
From: Virginia
It depends on the temperature. If it's around 60 degrees outside, mine seems to stay on for about 5- 7 seconds. The colder it gets, the longer it stays on. This morning was the coldest start I have had so far, and it stayed on a really long time, about 12 seconds or so.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
You're either dealing with burnt glow plugs or air in your fuel lines. When I bought my 89 7.3 It had the same problem (both). After replacing the glow plugs, putting them on a manual switch, replacing my fuel tank selector valve (instructions found here on my website) , and installing a pro comp electric lift pump it starts within 2-5 seconds.
Last night it was 6 degrees...two ten-second bursts on the glow plugs and the truck started like it was 95 outside
Last night it was 6 degrees...two ten-second bursts on the glow plugs and the truck started like it was 95 outside
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Thanks for the advice, It is 30 deg and the light stayed on for two seconds. I cranked for two seconds then turned the key off and tried again the light stayed on for 1/2 a second. Third try was also 1/2 second. From what you have told me it sounds like I have some bad glow plugs.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
1 How hard is it to remove glow plugs on a turbo motor?
2 Will they come out easier if the motor is hot or cold?
3 Is there a danger of the tips breaking off in the motor?
2 Will they come out easier if the motor is hot or cold?
3 Is there a danger of the tips breaking off in the motor?
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
They should come out real easy (if they are Berus). If not, *stop* and ask for advice. Off-brands can (and usually do) swell up and/or break. I would change all of them at the same time, since if one is bad, the others usually fail one-by-one anyway. Of course, check them with an ohmmeter first to make sure the problem is really with the plugs and not the controller, relay, or bad connection somewhere.
Chances are, when you change the glow plugs, you'll end up disturbing the fuel return lines/caps/o-rings. Unless you know it was just done, I'd plan on a return line kit (about $35). If the return lines start to leak, you'll have just traded one cold start problem for another...
Chances are, when you change the glow plugs, you'll end up disturbing the fuel return lines/caps/o-rings. Unless you know it was just done, I'd plan on a return line kit (about $35). If the return lines start to leak, you'll have just traded one cold start problem for another...
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Fast check for the glow plug.
Use an automotive test light.
Clip the ground clip on the positive battery terminal.
Remove the glow plug connector, touch the testor to the glow plug terminal.
If the light lights, the glow plug is probably OK.
If it does not, the glow plug is burnt out.
Repeat this for all the glow plugs.
The one under the turbo is a pain, the rest are not to bad to get at.
Good batteries, good glow plug system and good fuel system.
10 seconds glow plug time the engine starts before it rolls over 2 times at temps down to zero.
Use an automotive test light.
Clip the ground clip on the positive battery terminal.
Remove the glow plug connector, touch the testor to the glow plug terminal.
If the light lights, the glow plug is probably OK.
If it does not, the glow plug is burnt out.
Repeat this for all the glow plugs.
The one under the turbo is a pain, the rest are not to bad to get at.
Good batteries, good glow plug system and good fuel system.
10 seconds glow plug time the engine starts before it rolls over 2 times at temps down to zero.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Put in new Motorcraft / BERU glow plugs. $14ea. at Gator Ford, Tampa, Fl. Started right up. The old plugs were Autolights. All had high resistance or open circuit. They must have been bad since I have owned the truck because it never started this good.
Thanks to all for the advice.
Thanks to all for the advice.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
just did this excersize... new glow plugs, new GP controller, new batteries, new starter and new cables. Last Saturday it was 20 degrees when I woke up. GP's stayed on 13 seconds. Engine cranked maybe 1/2 a second and fired up. I am finally satisfied. Problem was, I have owned this truck for 20 years, and it slowly got worse and worse. Cylce plugs 2-3 times is not right, something is wrong... Don't keep cranking after a second or two, it wont start... We put a lot of new things in, but it starts as good as it did when it was new now. Yup, I am a happy camper!!!
Wayne
Wayne
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
HAMS64
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
31
Apr 24, 2014 03:25 PM
Argess
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
6
Jul 9, 2009 07:11 PM
