I finally got back to the ford today and still no start. The temps are in the low to mid 20's at night but up in the upper 20's to mid 30's for the day time temps. what else can I do???????

 

At those temperatures, my truck starts like it is summer. You have done everything there is to do on the electricity/glowplug system side of the house that I can think of (help guys). Have you checked that you actually have power on the cold side of the GPR when you turn the key to ON? With the key ON, take a screwdriver and jump the hot side of the gpr to the cold side of the gpr for about a minute and then try to start. If it fires then there is some problem in the GPR circuitry. Check the trigger wire to the relay, make sure it is connected tightly. If it isn't you might be putting the key to ON, but the relay never receives the trigger voltage to close the circuit to the glowplugs.

Have you checked the fuel pressure? Open the drain valve (the yellow handle on the back of the fuel bowl) and have someone turn the key to ON. You should get a good stream of fuel (I'd catch the fuel in a jar to check it for debris and for water). When you turn the key to ON you should also hear the fuel pump run under the drivers side door. There are a couple of screens in the fuel system that could be plugged up from the earlier fuel problem you had. If the fuel doesn't come out in a strong pulse from the drain valve, then the fuel pump could be clogged up with gunk from the earlier problem.

Keep trying and hopefully we can find the problem.

 

Here's something that hasn't come up. Check this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/710166-idm.html

 

I knew the sharp people were out there...Good catch Robin. But do you think the IDM relay would only effect cold starting? I would have thought that if the relay was fubar, the truck would always have starting problems.

 

I would have thought if that relay was fubar it wouldn't start at all but Shawn had hard starts not no starts. Go figure. If there is another relay of the same type he could swap them and see what happens. Just have to make sure to keep track of where you're swapping them from and to. Don't want to create another problem. Its just another step in the process of elimination.

 

O.K. Guys I'm now at a total loss. As far as the IDM I had replaced that about a year ago due to a code (stupid expense it didn't need to be replaced, but as long as I had already paid for it I put it in anyway) so thanks for that thought. Now back to the present this morning when I went to start it, I let the GP's cycle 3 times before I gave it a try. It was plugged in last night also. When I tried it, she started popped right off. Temps last night got down to 5 above. All I can do for now is wait until tomorrow and see what happens. I will be plugging it in though. I don't know what else I can do besides that. I just want to say thank you guys so much for your help and advice! I'll keep a post of what happens.

 

5 degree's is asking alot for it to start without being plugged in. Maybe some of us own 7.3's that are in perfect condition and will handle it. Mine won't, if it is going below 15 I will plug in, simply because I do not want to put strain on things that I can protect by simply plugging it in for the night.

 

Listen dude thanks for your help but you are not being very helpful if you don't like what I say than please don't respond. I'm looking for help not to be criticized. I purchased my first diesel when my husband forced the issue in 1990 and have taken good care of them, I'm having an issue with this and came here to look for advice/help. The statement about the 5deg's is in reference to that I would have plugged it in anyway. So I still don't have a clear view of what is or if there is any problem. Again Thank you for your help.

 

Listen dude?

 

Well it started today like there has been no problem. I did however change the other relay next to the GPR. I know the GPR was bad (no response on the ohm meter)but after replacing the GPR it still didn't start and the other relay was rather low on the ohm's so I replaced that relay also. The truck has started 2 days in a row with plugging in of course I'm in MN after-all. So I guess maybe it was a combination of both relays??? I really don't know what the other relay is for but replacing that one also, got the truck to start. If any one has an answer to what the other relay is for and if the 2 (relays) are linked to work together or what? Please let me know for future reference. I want to say it again Thank all of you so much!!!! It's nice to know that others have had these issues and can give you ideas and good advice. Hopefully it will continue to start. If I have any more issues I will be back to ask for ideas/help. I will check back for any answers to the relay question. Almost forgot I also changed the oil to the 5-40 from the 15-40

 

Hey, Mark. I believe that was a lady talking, we are not always supposed to understand their reactions. Their minds work differently than ours. I understood that you were not trying to be offensive, but were merely making a point. Just trying to help make sense of everthing. Once again it goes to show that you cannot type voice inflection or tone.

 

I guess what got me is the fact that Ford put these block heaters in for a reason. Even for the ones that are going to Florida, or other tropical climates. If it getting down into the single digits and your truck does not start like it is July, do not be too surprised. In Fairbanks most of the parking spots downtown come with an electric outlet. The term "dude" is to say the very least derogatory, and I doubt if it is used by "ladies".

 

Well, I almost included a question mark after the "lady".

 

Should have. But whatever she is, I will never participate in another thread initiated by this particular female. Or reply to this one anymore either.

 

So let's all grow up here and get back on track.
.
Dwenter20, do you have a 12v test light?
If I were standing over your engine right now I would be testing for power at the driver's side of the rear relay. That is the glow plug relay.
The forward relay is for the intake air heater relay and it can be used as a glow plug relay in a pinch. (Another topic)
But your cycling the key three times and then it starts makes me think the glow plug system is not on long enough per cycle to really heat up the cylinders.
So, guys, what controls the on-time of the GPR? The coolant temperature sensor? The oil temperature sensor? Perhaps one of those sensors has failed and is sending a warm engine signal?
Just tossing out ideas here.