Nice timing Jim! I have new GPs to go in, and just got my Stancor relay too.

 

could that be why my truck starts when it is niceier out or after i start it it will start all day so might not be battiers

 

Yes it is probably a GP issue or a GPR issue. Welcome to FTE!

 

So I'm wondering...I would like to order the Stancor, but it looks like it doesn't install the same as the normal GPR...how do you get it on there? I like the idea of a better quality GPR, but I'm worried that I won't be able to install it...

I assume it will work for my 2003 F-250 7.3L psd, correct? I think that I probably have either a GPR or GP problem. Took it to the Ford dealer and they said I needed a new starter...had that replaced, but it still takes 2-3 cycles to get it started, and have gotten the white smoke a couple of times. And that was before it got really cold. I keep it at a horse farm where we board our horses (don't have room at home) so I can't plug in a block heater.

I just bought it in August and I don't know the maintenance history, plus it has 173,000 miles on it, so I wouldn't be surprised if needed a new GPR or GP's.

Thanks, this forum is a lifesaver!
-Patti

Almost forgot...when I turn the key and let the glow plugs warm up, I hear sort of a buzzing or growling sound coming from the dashboard. Is this normal?

 

The Stancor Relay instructions are here: Welcome to guzzle's Stancor GPR replacement Mod Web Page

You can check your glow plug system out pretty quick as they describe at the beginning of this thread. That will eliminate out any weak parts.

 

The growling is your vaccuum generator.

 

This is commonly from weak batteries and what you are hearing is the relays under the dash chattering. When replacing diesel batteries always replace both of them, make sure all connections are tight ang clean, the use of Noalox will help prevent future oxidation as well.

The Stancor will work in your truck it just mounts a little differently than an OEM GPR

Welcome to our corner of FTE!

 

Wow, information is abundant and good on this thread. I was originally going to read first page and last page and had to read everything in between. I have an interesting twist that I need to ask about since it spans several fronts. Doesn't help diagnosis but may be entertaining.

I have 2003 excursion. Fortunately I chose the 7.3 option. My first diesel but smart enough not to select new engine transmission option. At around 65,000 miles I started burning waste veggetable oil. Works great and a lot cheaper than diesel. Not sure when but I also bought one of those "chips" to increase horsepower and mileage. I recently (Memorial Day) Hydrolocked one of the cylinders. After about 4K in repair I'm a little leary. Before I sent to dealer for repair, I uninstalled programming. Within 24 hours after re-programming (putting chip back in), I get an 0676 and 0603 error or #6 glow plug and power train control module KAM test error.

Call me paranoid but I have good reason. I cleared both and within 2 hours #6 glow plug error came back. I think I had that before but didn't worry too much about it. I also think I had them replaced. I bought the vehicle new. I know I have all new fuel injectors. And I seem to think I have replaced either the GP or "power packs"?

I don't trust myself to actually fix because I end up replacing the wrong item. However, I do want to understand. I also find it interesting how quickly I received error code after changing the program.

I'm interested if anyone has experience with these performance chips and if I need to be concerned. As mentioned, I'm gun shy since hydro-loc but if it's just one glow plug, I don't see the issue. After starting, it seems like all should be fine.

I'm also surprised on one of the comments about starting engine at 0-10F. I was in Demoine Iowa and didn't think to plug in block heater. Could not start. Had to plug in block heater.

THanks
fred

Any suggestions are appreciated. Just because I've been doing it one way for 8 years doesn't mean I can't change.