Tough cold starts
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From: Malvern, Ohio
Tough cold starts
So my sisters rig doesn't like to start right away when the ambient temperature is below 40 degrees. Yesterday, I got it running after the 6th or 7th try of turning the key/letting the plugs heat up. Now today, it was even colder than friday night was so it won't start yet. Her boyfriends pops thinks it is the battery, so I said try n jump it to see if its actually a bad battery(don't know if they have tried it yet though and they are still "green" in the sight hole but that isnt always accurate). She has put on 30,000+ miles since she bought it. I just changed the oil in it the other weekend with Rotella's 10w30 heavy duty oil. I have read threads where people have said the synthetics help in cold starts. But I also have the idea the glow plugs might be fouled n need replacing. What do you guys think it is for this cold start? And does this 7.3L use oil pressure to fire the injectors???I am a rookie in the diesel rigs but learning in school and whenever I can read about them. Thanks to anyone whom does some jaw flappin' about this.
you can't fix stupid!
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yes the 7.3 uses oil to fire the injectors. she has a HEUI system. hydraulic electronic unit injection. the synthetic oil will help in the cold since its thinner. you could also tell her to plug in the block heater or atleast put it on a timer to go on about 3 to 4 hours before she wants to leave in the morning.
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You may need to run a fuel additive like "Diesel Fuel" (comes in a white bottle at walmart) to get things going when it's cold out. Here in the south, we on occasion get a good freeze going sometimes for as long as a few weeks, additives like Powerservice Diesel Fuel helps make starts a little easier.
As you suggested, you should also get your glow plugs checked out as some may be worn. I'm guessing its an F250 we're talking about....? If so, also check the glow plug relay (big brown thing with wires connected to it, about the middle of the engine) and make sure it's not corroded and the contacts are clean.
You may also want to check the fuel filter and make sure it's not clogged with anything. Serveral users found their filters clogged with black gook that prevented the proper amount of fuel from getting to the injectors.
Other than that, I'm not sure whatelse to do. Hope this atleast helps.
As you suggested, you should also get your glow plugs checked out as some may be worn. I'm guessing its an F250 we're talking about....? If so, also check the glow plug relay (big brown thing with wires connected to it, about the middle of the engine) and make sure it's not corroded and the contacts are clean.
You may also want to check the fuel filter and make sure it's not clogged with anything. Serveral users found their filters clogged with black gook that prevented the proper amount of fuel from getting to the injectors.
Other than that, I'm not sure whatelse to do. Hope this atleast helps.
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From: Malvern, Ohio
She went n got some ether, and she fired up. Looks like I will be doing a tune up soon or atleast going through the things you guys have mentioned. Also I did pour some of the Cetane boost/injector cleaner which is the gray bottle of Diesel Kleen the other day. I will have to have a couple other products in the shop for future happenings. Thanks guys!
Jim
Jim
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Diesel Kleen (spring/summer blend) Power Service Products, diesel fuel additives, prevent gelling, clean injectors, disperse water, boost cetane, reduce emissions, improve fuel economy
First the "6.0 curious" thing, now this....
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From: Texas
Does she have a multi-meter then? I'd start by checking for voltage at the GPR after the key is first turned on (big post without the rubber boot). Then move on to ohming the glow plugs like Kris was suggesting.
She could also try holding a screwdriver across the 2 big posts of the GPR (unless she has a CA truck with the GPCM). It will spark a little when she first touches the posts together, but hold it on there for 30 seconds or so, then try to start the truck. You can ignore the wait to start light after using the screwdriver.
She could also try holding a screwdriver across the 2 big posts of the GPR (unless she has a CA truck with the GPCM). It will spark a little when she first touches the posts together, but hold it on there for 30 seconds or so, then try to start the truck. You can ignore the wait to start light after using the screwdriver.
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Make sure the batteries are good and the cables are clean. How old are they? How many amps? Is the truck kept outside? If I was outside in Minnesota I would not work right either.
Easy on the ether.
How about the connections at the valve covers?
What kind of glow plugs are in there? Are you buying bad fuel?
Easy on the ether.
How about the connections at the valve covers?
What kind of glow plugs are in there? Are you buying bad fuel?
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Posting Guru
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From: Malvern, Ohio
Does she have a multi-meter then? I'd start by checking for voltage at the GPR after the key is first turned on (big post without the rubber boot). Then move on to ohming the glow plugs like Kris was suggesting.
She could also try holding a screwdriver across the 2 big posts of the GPR (unless she has a CA truck with the GPCM). It will spark a little when she first touches the posts together, but hold it on there for 30 seconds or so, then try to start the truck. You can ignore the wait to start light after using the screwdriver.
She could also try holding a screwdriver across the 2 big posts of the GPR (unless she has a CA truck with the GPCM). It will spark a little when she first touches the posts together, but hold it on there for 30 seconds or so, then try to start the truck. You can ignore the wait to start light after using the screwdriver.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Malvern, Ohio
Make sure the batteries are good and the cables are clean. How old are they? How many amps? Is the truck kept outside? If I was outside in Minnesota I would not work right either.
Easy on the ether.
How about the connections at the valve covers?
What kind of glow plugs are in there? Are you buying bad fuel?
Easy on the ether.
How about the connections at the valve covers?
What kind of glow plugs are in there? Are you buying bad fuel?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
What would the procedure be when testing the relay start at what post to what post?? is there a certain pattern I have to go by? For example one end on the post and the other on any ground then to the next specific post? (I dislike electrical diagnoses since I have adhered to it so slowly so forgive me) please explain more.
Leave the black lead on the same ground point you used before (since you know that point works) and place the red lead on the other big post. Then have her turn the key on and see what voltage reading you get.