So I just got a 1989 ford f-350 not too long ago and its got the 7.3 non-turbo diesel. Its been pretty hard starting in the morning but once its been warmed up it will start no problem. I'm assuming its the glow plugs but this is my first diesel so I'm looking to get some advice from people more knowledgeable than myself. When the key is in the on position, before i start it, I hear a clicking noise that sounds like some sort of relay. when its clicking, the volt meter on my dash dips with each click. When i go to start it, it takes about 5-10 seconds of cranking with the gas pedal pushed to the floor and then it will fire up. so is there something specific that could cause this? I dont know where to start so if anyone has any ideas that would be really appreciated.

Thanks

Connor

 

5 second crank to start is not that bad for a diesel. 10 seconds is a bit on the long side though.
how long does the wait to start light stay on??
and for diesels questions, there is a whole bunch of really smart folks in the pre powerstroke diesel section:
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

The clicking is the glow plug relay, The diping of the amp meter is the draw of the glow plugs.
To check the glow plugs , unplug the harness from each GP and hook a test light to the positive side of the battery. Take the other end and go to the electrical connection of each GP. The teast light should light bright. If not, the GP is bad.

If they are bad, only get Beru or Motorcraft one. The rest will leave you pulling your heads

 

The glow plug controller is at the back of the motor in the center, sitting on top of the intake manifold.

 

First timer posting - I know this may not sound right - but had a similar problem on a '90 model. All worked fine when it was warm, but getting it started was a pain. The starter was the culprit. It was spinning just slow enough to be not making enough starting compression - but not so slow to make you think there was a problem. I seem to remember that a rebuilt unit was not cheap. I never had another starting problem after I installed the rebuilt starter.

 

welcome to FTE, and correct you are!! most people do not realize that the starter is bad and spinning so slow until they install a new starter.

 

ok, so ill check the glow plugs and if they're good it sounds like it may be time for a new starter.
as for how long the light stays on, its only on for maybe 5 seconds, then it goes off and you can still hear the relay clicking for a pretty good while if you let it. maybe i should take this over to the diesel section of this forum, its obvious im new here haha.

I mean this truck has almost 280k miles at this point so im sure that stuff should probably be all gone through anyways, looks like ive got some fun lined up for this weekend though. besides this one problem it runs pretty good, i love the truck. feels like its still got a lot of life left. thanks for all the awesome replies though, i really appreciate it!