Hello all and merry Christmas... I have been having a problem starting my truck for the last 3 or 4 weeks, doesnt matter the tempature. It turns over starts runs for 2 or 3 sec. then dies.? It will do this for 5 min, of trying to start. I cycle the glow plugs before each crank, I have pulled the EGR valve and cleaned it. I double treat every tank with diesle clean.( EGR was pretty clean, just a coat of soot that wiped off). I have changed my fuel filters. But heres the catch....If I plug it in, it starts right up?? So is it a glow plug issue? Keep in mind it doesnt matter if its 20 or 40 out..?? Thanks for your knowledge. Mike

 

Is your check engine light on? I just had mine start doing the same thing and we found that suddenly 4 of the glow plugs weren't working. I replaced all the glow plugs, the under rocker cover wiring harness and the rocker cover gaskets and it's working fine now.

 

No, My check engine light is not on. How much work was it to put glow plugs in? I think that is my next step.. Thanks for your reply. Mike

 

If it doesn't stay running when it wasn't plugged in, but stays running when it was plugged in, the only variable is the temperature of the engine. I'd start by checking the glow plug relay and glow plugs.

When it hasn't been plugged in, does it belch white smoke for the few seconds it runs? Are you able to keep it running by applying some throttle?