help engine locked ?
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Joined: Nov 2008
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help engine locked ?
I have had this truck for about a year 97' f350 7.3 powerstroke .the truck has been sitting for a couple of months it wouldnt start today ,I went and bought new batteries because last time I drove it it was turning over really slow ,the new batteries did the same thing so I charged them, then the truck was still barely turning over and now it feels like the engine is stuck ,wont turn at all no click ,no nothing, feels like the starter is froze ,when it was turning over I sprayed a little starting fluid in it and it almost started ,is this like vapor lock or airlock ? I know nothing about diesels ,I know the batteries are charged ,there is fuel in it,ground wires appear to be good ,anyone have any ideas?thanks for the help......... I really dont think it the starter or any of the starting parts it seems like compression lock??? is that possible ?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 779
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From: Burton, Texas
I'm new to diesels too, so I'll let one of these more knowledgeable folks answer you. I wanted to go ahead and caution you though -- I'm not 100% positive, but I believe you are never supposed to use starting fluid with diesels. You probably shouldn't try that again until I am confirmed wrong, but I think it's dangerous to use such flammable substances.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 355
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From: Kansas
What I know about starting fluid. We have to use it on our John Deere tractors in the wintertime if'n it is really cold. They do not have a glow plug system. NEVER use starting fluid with a glow plug system, if you do give them time to cycle then cool down, What I mean is turn the key on let them cycle and then give it a minute or so Leaving the key on so they do not cycle again, before you give it a shot and try to crank. This is for emergency situations ONLY. And yes, does it turn over by hand?
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Before I bought my truck previous owner had same problem .. chug .. chug, barely turning over. He replaced the batteries, same thing. He then replaced the starter and turned over fast. Take starter out and have it tested.
Playing in the Dirt
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,302
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From: Southwest Georgia
I agree with Hussler, have your starter checked. With both batteries charged it should turn over fine with a good starter.
Last edited by plowhand; Nov 2, 2008 at 05:00 PM. Reason: addition
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2005
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i bet the starter is the problem, also the glow plugs will stay on for 120 seconds so dont spray starting fluid unless it has been sitting with the key in the on position for longer than that. realy i wouldent use it at all
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 1
From: MICHIGAN
I have had this truck for about a year 97' f350 7.3 powerstroke .the truck has been sitting for a couple of months it wouldnt start today ,I went and bought new batteries because last time I drove it it was turning over really slow ,the new batteries did the same thing so I charged them, then the truck was still barely turning over and now it feels like the engine is stuck ,wont turn at all no click ,no nothing, feels like the starter is froze ,when it was turning over I sprayed a little starting fluid in it and it almost started ,is this like vapor lock or airlock ? I know nothing about diesels ,I know the batteries are charged ,there is fuel in it,ground wires appear to be good ,anyone have any ideas?thanks for the help......... I really dont think it the starter or any of the starting parts it seems like compression lock??? is that possible ?
You already got the advice you need about the starter but I need add "No Ether" too. WD40 is a better choice. If you insist on using ether be sure to disable the GP system by removing the small wires going to the GPR or you may have to change your shorts when she blows.
The GPR sits on top the engine....looks just like the starter solenoid mounted on the passenger fender.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Ft Scott
Jim,
Have you used WD40 lately? It used to work good but a few years ago they changed the formula (I think it's a different propellant) and it no longer works as an alternative starting fluid.
Oh, and just to keep this on track, I agree you should check the starter and only use ether when the GP's are disabled.
Have you used WD40 lately? It used to work good but a few years ago they changed the formula (I think it's a different propellant) and it no longer works as an alternative starting fluid.
Oh, and just to keep this on track, I agree you should check the starter and only use ether when the GP's are disabled.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 1
From: MICHIGAN
Jim,
Have you used WD40 lately? It used to work good but a few years ago they changed the formula (I think it's a different propellant) and it no longer works as an alternative starting fluid.
Oh, and just to keep this on track, I agree you should check the starter and only use ether when the GP's are disabled.
Have you used WD40 lately? It used to work good but a few years ago they changed the formula (I think it's a different propellant) and it no longer works as an alternative starting fluid.
Oh, and just to keep this on track, I agree you should check the starter and only use ether when the GP's are disabled.
I use Brake cleaner on the gassers, never used it on a diesel. What do you think...to explosive?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Even some brake cleaners out there now are not so explosive. Ethers too. I need some to seat a bead on a big tire and it didn't work! STUPID!
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,743
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From: Ft Scott
TJ
Ether comes in different grades, The crap that most places sell are only 20-30% ether and the rest is propane/butane/heptane
NAPA sells some better stuff that is close to 50% and it works OK for tires
I've got some old old stuff that was made by prestone that is 80% and it sets beads the 1st time everytime.
I've tried the low % stuff on tires and it just burns rather than explode.
Jim
After spending the last 18 years in Az this will be my 1st winter back in the northeast where it actually gets cold enough to need starting fluid. I've got 2 vehicles and they're both diesel so I've never tried brake cleaner, but both my mother and brother have gassers so I'll keep that in mind..
Ether comes in different grades, The crap that most places sell are only 20-30% ether and the rest is propane/butane/heptane
NAPA sells some better stuff that is close to 50% and it works OK for tires
I've got some old old stuff that was made by prestone that is 80% and it sets beads the 1st time everytime.
I've tried the low % stuff on tires and it just burns rather than explode.
Jim
After spending the last 18 years in Az this will be my 1st winter back in the northeast where it actually gets cold enough to need starting fluid. I've got 2 vehicles and they're both diesel so I've never tried brake cleaner, but both my mother and brother have gassers so I'll keep that in mind..