Hard Cold Start and No Heat... Related Problem?
 

I just bought an 03 Ex that hadn't been driven but 600 miles the past three years. Needless to say, there's probably some sludge causing issues somewhere. I have a Scangauge installed, which has been very helpful thus far.

I've flushed the coolant, currently with distilled water, changed the oil and filter, atf and filter, and installed my 2nd set of fuel filters after getting stranded after I ran my first tank of fuel through it. After changing the fuel filters the second time, I was still having cold starting problems, requiring 3-4 long cranks before firing. Once warm, runs fine. I just installed a FICM from Diesel Tech Ron, but I still have to try 3-4 times to get it to cold start, then it runs and starts ok. Not sure why the hard cold starts...

Also, the heat doesn't work. A/C is fine, blower is working. I installed a new thermostat, and like I said, I have flushed the coolant with tap water and now distilled water, but didn't want to pour in fresh coolant just yet, in case I have to drain it again with this heat issue. That vc7b is not cheap. Tonight I drove the truck about 20 miles and my highest temps for EOT was around 215 and ECT was 205. Fluctuated between the the mid 190s to low 200s most of the time, this was over some hilly roads with no load or anything.

I ordered a Factory Service Manual to help me on this fun journey, but it won't be in for a few days. Anything else I can monitor or check on in the mean time?

I am having this same issue. I am dropping it off at the dealer tomorrow while I go to Cincinnati fort hem to check it out. It happens whenever the outside temp falls below 50°F. I will let you know if they find anything.

edit** I am only having any issue with mine starting. I have no idea on the heat.

I'm starting to wonder if the starting issue is glowplugs.

I was driving around today, and my EOT hit as high as 233 and ECT hit 212 on the highway, so something is definitely amiss. Going to let it cool down a few hours and see what temp readings I get before starting. Hoping maybe it's just a bad sensor, but not sure.

Sounds like you have more than 1 problem....
ECT and EOT are on separate sensors, so not likely a sensor sorry.
One way or another it's time for an oil cooler.
Is it throwing any codes? Glow plugs usually throw a code.

Replace the cooler or try a better flush first? All I did was tap water and distilled water plus replace the tstat. No codes at all on the scanner, no CEL.

Before changing out an oil cooler, you flush the hell out of it using VC-9. Then you replace the cooler.

I still think you have other issues, there are just too many variables with the 6.0. I recommend you Post your issue in the 6.0 side of this forum, those guys know there stuff.

Thanks, I will try posting there as well!

I just heard back from the dealer; they managed to see the same problem I was having and they are replacing the Glow Plug Control Module. We should have a couple cold nights here soon and I will let you know if it fixed the starting problem.

Ah, that sounds promising. Do let me know. Bad glowplugs throw a code, but the controller won't, right?

I heard from the dealership today. Once they put the GPCM on, they started getting codes for the glow plugs. I have to load the truck up on Monday and we are leaving for Kansas City on Tuesday, so I will have them replace all the glow plugs and the wire harnesses when I get back. Not for parts and labor is going to be about $520.00

Good to know, thanks man!