1st post--Glow plug installation question
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1st post--Glow plug installation question
Hi everyone--first post here. I just bought a really nice 2000 F350 7.3. This truck drives like new but does have some problems starting on cold mornings. I have read here of the possible causes for hard starting on these trucks during cold weather so while at my ford dealer this pass weekend, I just ask out of curiosity about the cost to install a new set of glow plugs as well as a new glow plug relay. They quoted $1000.00 for the glow plugs installed and about $400.00 to install a new relay. Now I might be way off base here but isn't that pretty close to highway robbery. I looked on ebay and can buy a brand new set of autolite OEM glow plugs for about $60 to $70 dollars. The relay for about $70 to $100.
Can someone tell me what would be a reasonable price to pay to have these items installed on my truck if they really needed them?
Thanks in advance everyone,
Gary
Can someone tell me what would be a reasonable price to pay to have these items installed on my truck if they really needed them?
Thanks in advance everyone,
Gary
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
You can test all the glow plugs and the GPR with a multi-meter. Often times it's just the GPR that needs changing.
DO NOT BUY AUTOLITE glow plugs. They have a tendency for the tips to swell, which means you can't remove them without breaking the tips off, which usually leads to pulling the heads.
Have you searched enough to know how to check the GPR and glow plugs, or do you need some pointers?
Welcome to FTE.
DO NOT BUY AUTOLITE glow plugs. They have a tendency for the tips to swell, which means you can't remove them without breaking the tips off, which usually leads to pulling the heads.
Have you searched enough to know how to check the GPR and glow plugs, or do you need some pointers?
Welcome to FTE.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
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From: Grand Lake, La.
Welcome to FTE Gary.
Do not let the dealer change them for that price. They are not hard to change. Like Chris said, check things first. Let us know what you decide to do. We might can help you with this.
Do not let the dealer change them for that price. They are not hard to change. Like Chris said, check things first. Let us know what you decide to do. We might can help you with this.
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glow plugs
Thanks for the replies so far. Yes chris, actually I think I can do the required checks. I work out of town almost every week and have very little time to devote to it right now. Like I said, replaces these item was mostly a curiousity or at least what it would cost if by chance I needed to have it done. Can you tell me about that cost if taken to a dealership or even your local repair shop? Were the prices quoted me normal?
Thanks again guys,
Gary
Thanks again guys,
Gary
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
I can't help with prices. If it's just the GPR, you can do that yourself in about 15 - 30 min. since it's only 4 nuts holding the wires on, and 2 nuts holding the GPR in place. The glow plugs might take half a day to a full day depending on how handy you are with a wrench.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
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From: Kiowa CO
$400 to change the relay???? Holy cow!
Here is what is involved in changing the GPR (although the instructions show it being replaced with an upgraded unit) you still get the idea on how easy it is.
Welcome to guzzle's Stancor GPR replacement Mod Web Page
Good luck.
Here is what is involved in changing the GPR (although the instructions show it being replaced with an upgraded unit) you still get the idea on how easy it is.
Welcome to guzzle's Stancor GPR replacement Mod Web Page
Good luck.
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From: Milroy, PA
If you have some patience, some mechanical knowledge, and a little time, the glow plugs arent a terrible thing to replace. You remove both CAC tubes, (which all 4 boots should be cleaned well) and then the valve covers, and your in. Unhook the wires, remove the plugs. Crank the engine over my hand a few revs, then install new, and reverse the process. But I would most certainly start with the stancor GPR from the link to Guzzles site.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,241
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From: Powder Springs, East TN
Holy Crap 1400 bucks to replace the Glow Plug system? Man I am in the wrong field lol. It cost me 50 bucks for a stancor relay, free for the glow plugs, and a good buddy to help me put them in.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
Gary, if you're close by me I'll diagnose the GP system and change any needed parts for a bottle of Kentucky's finest single barrel bourbon 
As others have mentioned, $80 for glow plugs and $60 for a GPR, a few hours with tools in hand and you're done. DO NOT let that dealer work on your truck, EVER!
As others have mentioned, $80 for glow plugs and $60 for a GPR, a few hours with tools in hand and you're done. DO NOT let that dealer work on your truck, EVER!
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Thanks everyone
You guys are great, really. Thanks for all the replies. Just as I suspected, the greedy dealership was looking for a sucker. I will order the GPR from Stancor this weekend and install it myself. I will wait and see if that completely fixes my cold start problems. If not then I'll test the glow plugs and go from there. Thanks again everyone.
Gary
Gary
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Brandon,MS
Gary,
Rick, Chase, Justin, and both Chris's as well as several others on this site can get you fixed up in no time. If you have any questions dont be shy and not ask. There is a wealth of knowledge on this site and you became a part of a huge family by joining FTE. These guys here are the best. Sorry I couldnt help still learning from these guys though......
Welcome to FTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rick, Chase, Justin, and both Chris's as well as several others on this site can get you fixed up in no time. If you have any questions dont be shy and not ask. There is a wealth of knowledge on this site and you became a part of a huge family by joining FTE. These guys here are the best. Sorry I couldnt help still learning from these guys though......
Welcome to FTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
