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Nov 20, 2008 | 11:29 PM

Steve Draney

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Hard to start

Hey guys, been awhile!! Good I think!! Only because I haven't been stranded!! Been checkin the posts and learning, just haven't needed any of your unbelievable repair help!! May need it now though!!

00 7.3 F-350's been running great, cold early morning starts no problem, get to work and the truck sits all day and go out to go home and no start!! Turns over and just starts to fire then stops!! I leave the ignition in the on position for 12 to 15 separate times cranking it over and it finally lights!! I think I have one, or maybe both batteries that need to be replaced, but do you think I may have a need to change the glow plugs as well?? Could my glow plugs not be heating up properly because the old batteries just don't have the amps???

Any thoughts or help anyone could provide would be much appreciated!! I'm just wondering if one affects the other or have I got two separate problelms???

You guys and gals are great!! Appreciate anyones 2cents on this one!!

Nov 20, 2008 | 11:38 PM

triskit16

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Joined: Sep 2008

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From: VA

Start with your batteries first....easy enough to test them. I would test the batteries with the alternator goin as well. I think the batteries should be reading 14.4V or so. If all thats good I would check your GPR. Check a few pages and there was a thread that Brandon posted (Bdrummonds, I believe) to check your GPR. If thats good maybe you need to get under those valve covers and change the GPs. If I missed anything Im sure someone will respond...if they already havent! Good luck!

Edit...if even one of ur batts are bad replace both of them. Theyre wired in parallel so the older one might drain the newer one down.

Nov 21, 2008 | 12:29 AM

randomhero1172

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Joined: Oct 2007

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From: Bloomfield Hills, MI

i guess it makes sense. Drove to work, drained the batts (they could be going bad, or alternator didnt charge em)

These engines need MANY Amps to get going

Nov 21, 2008 | 05:52 AM

just another truck

Hotshot

Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Sterling Heights,Mi

I would check the alternator as well....

Nov 21, 2008 | 07:04 AM

PowerstrokeJunkie

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From: 21791

Well if your engine cranks over 12-15 consecutive times and doesnt die, i dont think its a charging problem. If you had properly working glow plugs, then it should fire off on the first time, no matter how cold it is. First replace the relay on the top right-center of the motor, and go from there.

Nov 24, 2008 | 12:06 PM

Steve Draney

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Joined: Sep 2006

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Thanks for all the suggestions!!

Hey all, Put two new batteries in the old girl and that seems to have done the trick!! Who ever owned the truck before me had replaced one battery at a time and the oldest one was completely shot!! Starts strong now even in the mid 20's with no plug in!!

Thanks for everyones help!!