Well, after new batteries, it does crank faster and somewhat stronger, but still won't start without a lot of key-turns and hitting the throttle.....then white smoke and the romps.....now what?

As I said, the glow plugs must be working, the dome light dims and the relay clicks under the hood (and works, tested that too).

Anyone have any final suggestions? Only when cold (under 35), otherwise starts and runs great. Can the glow plugs be "worn"? I tested them at the valve-covers not long ago and they read properly based on the specs someone sent me already.....

 

did you check ICP sensor?

 

ICP= Injection Control Pressure sensor? No I didn't, how do I check it assuming that's the sensor you mean.....

 

have you checked amp draw on the glow plugs? should be 17-26 amps each, for a range of 115-208 amps when on. If its low you have some not working.

 

I does sound like the glow plugs are not working properly. Mine acted the exact same way at the end of winter last year. I put all new GP's in and yesterday it fired right up at 12 degrees with only one GP cycle, and with no white smoke or romps. Either your GPR is not working or some of your GP's are bad.

 

Check the amperage how specifically and individually? Leaving the GPR? At the valve cover harness? Some specifics please........

 

that's the one,easy way is unplug it and try first cold start

 

Your not very specific......so after it's unplugged, what is "try first cold start"? Do you mean it will or won't start? It's not starting cold now, so????

 

if the problem is the sensor it will start easy with it unplugged

 

Then I should leave it unplugged right???

 

to check glow plug draw on a glow plug relay vehicle snap an amprobe over the 2 large yellow wires that go out to each valve cover...with the engine cold you should have about 1-2 minutes to get your draw reading. If you have the valve covers off checking draw on individual glow plug wires would be more specific, but the general test is to check em all at once beside the gpr.

Edited to add : On my 2000 F350 the GPR appeared to eb working, but it starts much better with a new relay. The relays get ate up inside over time...I did not snap the amprobe before and after, but it was a world of difference.

 

it won't run good unplugged but will start and idle ok
if it starts easy and idles with it unplugged the sensor needs replaced

 

Thanks guys, where is the ICP sensor/connector? Near the fuel bowl? I'll do the amp thing tomorrow also.

 

before I'd start ripping valvecovers to change the glow plugs... I'd try a new relay first... I paid $84.00 with lifetime warranty.....its takes about 15 minutes to change, a whole lot easier than glow plugs.

 

sensor is on top of left head toward front