I have a 1984 F250 diesel truck, where I swapped the engine with a 1987 one, because of a crack in the 84 Block at the block heater.

The 87 has two issues I'd like to resolve and where I'd like to get help from your experts.

1. Cold start problem. Checked the glow plugs as ok, but no power coming to them. I can hear the relay click in the back of the engine. Checking with a test light, the relay has 12v when ignition is not switched on, when switched on, the test light is off!?

Has someone got a wiring diagram for the glow plug system?

Should I move towards a PUSHBUTTEN set-up? If so, please provide details on how to do.

2. Engine has lots of power and doesn't seem to smoke much, but I use a lot of oil. Could a valve stem seal replacement help here? I already bought the seals and valve cover gaskets.

A lot of questions from a Newby

 

Do not go to a push button for the solid state system......
Click on my name and email me I will send GP controller/wiring info and the test....

Just put the email SUBJECT: 7.3 CONTROLLER TEST

 

Received your message NOT to go to a manual switch system. You have a wiring diagram for the 87 glow plug system?

 

PLC7.3 - Many thanks for your help! I have been busy, thus the late reply. Your wiring diagram and the test procedure were great, I had no problem following them. Found out that the controller did not work, even though one could hear the solenoid on top click, when turning the ignition key. Procedure tells to change the controller out. I was lucky that I had a used solenoid from the 84. I left the controller in place and installed the solenoid and the glow plug problem was solved.
I dismantled the faulty solenoid and found that while it would click, the contacts were so burnt and oxidized, it did not make electrical contact. Thanks again PLC7.3 for the e-mails. uchitz - working on other issues of the puppy.

 

for the heavy oil consumption issue, try cleaning/ replacing the CDR valve before you go pulling the heads to do stem seals.
a clogged CDR will make an engine use allot of oil.

 

I have the same problem on my 88 7.3L and would like to test my GP controller. As a new user I can't email PLC7.3 for the test info. PLC7.3 - if you read this I would like to obtain the GP controller test info. Many thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like my 88 7.3 is doing the same thing. You can hear the selinoid click but she won't fie off unless I plug the block heater in for at least two hours (20F) prior to starting her . Looking to test the GP Controller.

 

pailakapat & evictorwally - I was in the same situation than you, also as a Newby there were restrictions. I'll try and help with the info I got by e-mail. Contact me at msaistrich@hotmail.com with the title 7.3 and 6.9 controller.