2003 7.3 starting problem
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
2003 7.3 starting problem
This winter it was showing some cold start trouble. Below 40 degrees I had to plug her in. Just recently, however, it has become harder and harder to start. Recently, it took 6 tries to get her to fire up. Once running, it idles fine and runs well. I'll admit that this is my first diesel so I have my diesel tech friend do the main maintenance. I've regularly had the oil, fuel filter and air filter replaced. It has about 109k on it. I haven't done the injectors or the glow plugs.
My first guess as the plugs but since it is acting up in this warm weather, my tech is leaning injectors.
Any thoughts?
My first guess as the plugs but since it is acting up in this warm weather, my tech is leaning injectors.
Any thoughts?
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
First off, welcome to the site. Check your cranking voltage, if it drops much below 11 volts, that's most likely your problem. I've got a lot more miles than that on original GP's and injectors.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Welcome to FTE. How old are the batteries? Typically we talk in volts instead of CCA's. If the voltage drops too low (like when you first turn the key on and the glow plugs are energized) then the IDM won't fire the injectors.
When you finally get it started, does it idle rough or normal? If you turn the key on and then wait 90 seconds before you turn the key to start, does it start up any quicker?
When you finally get it started, does it idle rough or normal? If you turn the key on and then wait 90 seconds before you turn the key to start, does it start up any quicker?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
I'll check on the voltage after I attempt to glow the plugs and when I crank the starter. I mentioned the CCAs as it was starting to turn over slower. It idles fine once started.
I've only been glowing it as long as the light remained on. I'll try longer.
Oh, and, of course, it gives a good puff of black smoke once fired, it I've had to try it several times.
I've only been glowing it as long as the light remained on. I'll try longer.
Oh, and, of course, it gives a good puff of black smoke once fired, it I've had to try it several times.
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
The light on the dash has absolutely nothing to do with how long the glow plugs actually come on. The other option would be just to disconnect the glow plug relay from the battery, but counting to 90 should tell you the story.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,470
Likes: 3
From: Pea Ridge, AR
Probably going to be in the cranking voltage as suggested. The reason for the 90 second wait is to allow enough time for the glow plugs to stop drawing current from the batteries to allow the magic 10.5V while cranking.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Find one with a good warranty. Your Ford dealer sometimes has a deal on batteries with a warranty good at any Ford dealer. Ford and most of the others require you to have the receipt handy to honor the warranty. Autozoo looks it up by your phone number.
My OEM batteries lasted a long time. My replacements only last a couple of years. NAPA was too hard to fool with on the warranty replacements. My current batteries from Autozoo (gold top) were 2 years old this month (as was my rebuilt alternator). I replaced the alternator this morning and the batteries this afternoon.
Total cost out of pocket today was the fuel to make 2 trips to the parts store. Too bad it always comes at an inconvenient time.
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