Diesel Cold Start - Not!
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Diesel Cold Start - Not!
Ford F250 Super Heavy Duty, Diesel, 260K miles...
I've had the truck for just about three years now and haven't had any major problems starting in the Winter (USA NE) but this week, I started having problems on Tuesday (30s) but got it started with a couple of tries....
Today (Sat) its in the 20s and twenty minutes no-go! I let the point wram up until I hear the little whirrr stop, try to kick it over holding down on the ignition and giving it a smidge of diesel... then quite, let the whirr stop, and start over... five times. nada.
Rule out the batteries - they are brand new.
Do "points" need to be replaced?
Thanx
g
I've had the truck for just about three years now and haven't had any major problems starting in the Winter (USA NE) but this week, I started having problems on Tuesday (30s) but got it started with a couple of tries....
Today (Sat) its in the 20s and twenty minutes no-go! I let the point wram up until I hear the little whirrr stop, try to kick it over holding down on the ignition and giving it a smidge of diesel... then quite, let the whirr stop, and start over... five times. nada.
Rule out the batteries - they are brand new.
Do "points" need to be replaced?
Thanx
g
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Possible. Like I said, I've had this truck for almost three years and I didn't have any problems the last two Winters... I guess this is where the "maintenance" issues come into play with an "old" truck.
I mean, these babies SHOULD start at a mere 20 degrees... at least after a couple of tries???
Am I correct in assuming that IF this problem can be fixed by replacing "relays" (or something else) I should keep trying to start the truck - at least until it warms up a bit later in the day???
(Tried to start my motorcycle last year after a long stay in the garage and a tired (untendered) battery (and didn't read the manual) blowing out the starter after too many attempts in too short intervals...)
No reason to push this if I can let it sit for a trip to the diesel mechanic or dealer on Monday.
Thanx!
g
I mean, these babies SHOULD start at a mere 20 degrees... at least after a couple of tries???
Am I correct in assuming that IF this problem can be fixed by replacing "relays" (or something else) I should keep trying to start the truck - at least until it warms up a bit later in the day???
(Tried to start my motorcycle last year after a long stay in the garage and a tired (untendered) battery (and didn't read the manual) blowing out the starter after too many attempts in too short intervals...)
No reason to push this if I can let it sit for a trip to the diesel mechanic or dealer on Monday.
Thanx!
g
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
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From: Concord NC
If you engine is spinning good, then you may have a bad GPR (glow plug relay) or a fueling problem. Both are easy to check/rule out. You can jump the relay with a screwdriver for about a minute or two and try to start again, you can open you fuel bowl drain valve and see if you have flow with the switch on.
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Yes, tons of smoke at each start, but I've seen that before when I started in Winter...
The light comes on immediately, and I wait until I hear the little "whirr" to stop after the light goes out (again, on the assumption that this gives the max amount of time to heat the points...) I tried starting right after the light goes out (as I usually do) and I didn't notice any difference...
It does sound like it's about to "kick over" but that didn't happen this morning... in just keeps trying to kick over with no satisfied growl. Don't want to keep the ignition held on too long.
I appreciate this work around suggestions... that's done by popping the hood, huh? Sorry, all that stuff in there is as mysterious to me as the inner workings of a computer (in fact, I could do more with the internals of a computer!) I'm a "software" person.
I'll need a diesel mechanic to look at it (once I get it started) or (aaaah) a Dealer!
g
The light comes on immediately, and I wait until I hear the little "whirr" to stop after the light goes out (again, on the assumption that this gives the max amount of time to heat the points...) I tried starting right after the light goes out (as I usually do) and I didn't notice any difference...
It does sound like it's about to "kick over" but that didn't happen this morning... in just keeps trying to kick over with no satisfied growl. Don't want to keep the ignition held on too long.
I appreciate this work around suggestions... that's done by popping the hood, huh? Sorry, all that stuff in there is as mysterious to me as the inner workings of a computer (in fact, I could do more with the internals of a computer!) I'm a "software" person.
I'll need a diesel mechanic to look at it (once I get it started) or (aaaah) a Dealer!
g
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Block heater? Have you plugged it in for about a hour or overnight before trying to start it in the morning? My GPs are good, but it still likes to be plugged in before starting...starts first time every time if it is. Otherwise....it takes a bout 4 or 5 tries.
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Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Concord NC
The GPR will continue to heat the glow plugs for a good while after the light goes out. Try jumping the GPR out for about 2 minutes before your next start up. If it starts good, then you need a new GPR. If it is smoking white smoke, then you probably have fuel.
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Yes, I have heard about plugging the diesel in for the night...
I'm not even aware if that's an option with this truck (is it std?) but - IF it is - I'll have to park it at a friend's house with access to the garage/plug... but it would be an imposition.
In any case, it worked last year, but it's not working this year and I gave it five good attempts this morning. I am convinced that truck ain't starting unitil it gets a little warmer, hopefully later in the day, so I can maybe drop by the diesel mechanic and see what kind of effort it will take to get those GPs looked at...
Thanx for the advice
g
I'm not even aware if that's an option with this truck (is it std?) but - IF it is - I'll have to park it at a friend's house with access to the garage/plug... but it would be an imposition.
In any case, it worked last year, but it's not working this year and I gave it five good attempts this morning. I am convinced that truck ain't starting unitil it gets a little warmer, hopefully later in the day, so I can maybe drop by the diesel mechanic and see what kind of effort it will take to get those GPs looked at...
Thanx for the advice
g
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Yes, "white smoke" but I've always seen "white smoke" in the Winter and I've run this truck down to 1/4th a tank on the diesel that's in there???
So, are you saying that I might try turning the ignition on for the light, wait for the light to go out AND the little "whirr" to stop... then maybe turn off the ignition key, and turn it on again to light the light and get the whirr back... maybe giving the points a better chance to get warm...
I actually tried that this morning. nada.
g
So, are you saying that I might try turning the ignition on for the light, wait for the light to go out AND the little "whirr" to stop... then maybe turn off the ignition key, and turn it on again to light the light and get the whirr back... maybe giving the points a better chance to get warm...
I actually tried that this morning. nada.
g
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
Before you throw your money away, you can fix most problems yourself.
Here is a picture to get you started.
Jump it out or use a meter to check. You might also check you oil level in the HPOP. Should be about 3/4 of an inch from the top.
Here is a picture to get you started.
Jump it out or use a meter to check. You might also check you oil level in the HPOP. Should be about 3/4 of an inch from the top.
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
Yes, "white smoke" but I've always seen "white smoke" in the Winter and I've run this truck down to 1/4th a tank on the diesel that's in there???
So, are you saying that I might try turning the ignition on for the light, wait for the light to go out AND the little "whirr" to stop... then maybe turn off the ignition key, and turn it on again to light the light and get the whirr back... maybe giving the points a better chance to get warm...
I actually tried that this morning. nada.
g
So, are you saying that I might try turning the ignition on for the light, wait for the light to go out AND the little "whirr" to stop... then maybe turn off the ignition key, and turn it on again to light the light and get the whirr back... maybe giving the points a better chance to get warm...
I actually tried that this morning. nada.
g
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Thanx for the Diagram!
I think I'll print it out and see if I can follow your previuos instructions...
(I ain't going anywhere, as is, anyway)
Yes "white smoke" and no problem when it's warm suggests GPs.
So I can actually leave the key in the "light" position even longer than the fuel pump shutting down... I'll try that too!
Hey THANX again for the help! I really appreciate it!
It's 12:15. I'm gonna have lunch, wrap up and go out and try it again.
I'll check back around 2PM with the results.
g
I think I'll print it out and see if I can follow your previuos instructions...
(I ain't going anywhere, as is, anyway)
Yes "white smoke" and no problem when it's warm suggests GPs.
So I can actually leave the key in the "light" position even longer than the fuel pump shutting down... I'll try that too!
Hey THANX again for the help! I really appreciate it!
It's 12:15. I'm gonna have lunch, wrap up and go out and try it again.
I'll check back around 2PM with the results.
g
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
Leaving the key on will only work if the GPs are energized. I really don't think they are working at all. Try jumping across the two large terminals on top of the GPR. You need the key on when you do this. Hold the screwdriver across the two terminals for about 1 1/2 minutes, then go try to start it. I'm thinking it will start right up with little smoke.
EDIT: will be back later, heading to the woods looking for horns.
EDIT: will be back later, heading to the woods looking for horns.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
I don't mean to jack this thread, but when mine had issues awhile back with cold starts, (I had bad batteries...wouldn't hold a charge when cold), I notice a "whir" from some part on the passenger fender under the hood...about 2/3 the way back from the front. It would whir for some time...what is that? Almost sounded like a little air pump of sorts.