Starting issue
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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Starting issue
Hi everyone I have a 1988 f450 7.3 diesel. Replaced return fuel caps and o rings new clear bleed off line Truck just wont start. if i spay small amount of starting fluid it starts right up and runs fine indefinitely. shut it off starts right up let it sit overnight wont start again. there are no air bubbles in clear line while running. Any and all help will be appreciated thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
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From: Southern Oregon USA
How long does the glow plug light stay on when it is cold? Even if the controller is clicking, it may not necessarily mean current is reaching the glow plugs or that the plugs are working. If you have been using ether, you may have ruined some already. Do you know how to test the system?
Jason
Jason
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 2
From: Southern Oregon USA
Ambient temperature may not reflect the engine temp. If it is 60* inside your shop, it should eventually start without glow plugs. But it will take several revolutions to do so.
When it doesn't start, have you attempted to bleed air from the system at the schrader valve?
I had a similar problem where it would lose prime overnight. I blocked off the hose from the filter head to the injector return line and solved the problem.
Jason
When it doesn't start, have you attempted to bleed air from the system at the schrader valve?
I had a similar problem where it would lose prime overnight. I blocked off the hose from the filter head to the injector return line and solved the problem.
Jason
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
Remember, diesel fuel needs to reach 500 degrees to auto ignite.
From 60 degrees to 500 degrees in one compression stroke is asking a lot in a cold engine block.
Glow plugs save starters.
Yes you can keep on cranking it and it should start at 60 degrees.
But with a glow plug system working correctly the engine should be running in under two revolutions.
With a functioning glow plug system, starts down to single digit temps without being plugged in are easy.
From 60 degrees to 500 degrees in one compression stroke is asking a lot in a cold engine block.
Glow plugs save starters.
Yes you can keep on cranking it and it should start at 60 degrees.
But with a glow plug system working correctly the engine should be running in under two revolutions.
With a functioning glow plug system, starts down to single digit temps without being plugged in are easy.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: back in SE Iowa
its glow plugs i would test all of them,even one dead one will screw with the starting.i just went through that.if your controller is clicking like a clock you got bad glowplugs or your controller is messed up.you can try and run a ground wire off the battery to the controller,i have heard it helps.good luck
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Junior User
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Well checked glow plugs found one to be bad. Replaced tried to start nothing. hooked up one i took out to harness and grounded it and it heated up. HOT. so i believe that the glow plug system is working correctly. So then i plugged the bleeder bypass hose and it started but took many revolutions any other ideas?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 2
From: Southern Oregon USA
How did it start sucessive times after that? Wait overnight and see how it starts in the morning.
Have you checked the lift pump to make sure it is delivering the right amount of fuel?
Jason
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Junior User
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Yes it gets the right amount. the one thing i noticed is the line from lift pump to filter is a rubber hose with compressed ends. The outside diameter is approx 5/8 inch not sure of id. Could to big of a line cause any issues
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
The only way line size would affect starting is if the fuel was bleeding off, the bigger line would hold more air that would have to be pumped through the injection pump.
Do you see any bubbles or air pockets in the clear line before trying to start the engine?
Start issues can be hard to figure out since it could be either a glow plug or fuel problem.
No smoke out of the exhaust rather quickly usually means no fuel is being injected, so then you look harder at fuel issues.
Smoke and no start usually means not enough heat, so then you look at glow plugs.
The only thing that crasses both lines is cranking speed, and ether can make a difference starting even with lower cranking speed.
Do you see any bubbles or air pockets in the clear line before trying to start the engine?
Start issues can be hard to figure out since it could be either a glow plug or fuel problem.
No smoke out of the exhaust rather quickly usually means no fuel is being injected, so then you look harder at fuel issues.
Smoke and no start usually means not enough heat, so then you look at glow plugs.
The only thing that crasses both lines is cranking speed, and ether can make a difference starting even with lower cranking speed.
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Ok so this morning tried to start truck. After a couple revolutions it sounded like it was going to start but didnt start till about 20 or so revs. Then started with a brief high idle for a few seconds then idled normal like there was a lot of fuel dumped in. Smoked like immediately when first tried