Truck aint turnin over right.
 

I am having trouble starting my 1997 F-250HD. It will crank, but will not turn over without a shot of diesel starter fluid. It doesnt matter what the temp. is. Are my glow plugs shot, or do I have a more serious problem? This is my dream truck and I am willing to spend whatever I need to in order to make sure my "baby" is running the way a powerstroke should run.

Starting fluid is a really bad idea. It can bend/break expensive things in your motor.

The Glow Plug Relay, GPR, is located under the fancy cover on top the engine, remove it. Cross out the 2 large terminals on the GPR for 30-45 seconds, jump in the cab and start it. If it starts OK/better then the GPR is shot. Look here:
http://andersonimprovements.com/hobb...sandrelay.html

Here's a link to a HD GPR swap. Do this and never woory about the GPR again:
http://guzzle.rbmicro.com/s_gpr.html

IF the engine is missing a lot right after you get it going it may have a couple Glow Plugs, GPs, that are shot or weak. Keep us posted and you'll get more info on diagnosing the GPs individually.

The GP's may be goin' south on ya. You can ohm them out at the VC gasket connection They are the two connections on the outside. ie: #1 and #5 positions. Check all 4 of the VC connections in this manner. ANY questions please post back.

If that shows bad then remove the Vc and look at the harness underneath for shorts and rubbing that will short the wires.

I am having this problem but it didn't start until after I replaced the GP's about a month ago. Truck starts great in cold conditions but misses for about the first 30 seconds. Any thuoughts?

Mine does that too but for longer than 30 seconds. I have a bad GP. Try ohming them at the UVC connection to verify all are good. If they are then 30 seconds doesn't sound too unusual.

Did you replace the GPR or test it ?...

I just tested it.

I'll assume it was working properly.....

It was and still is working correctly, however every GP was open when I replaced them so I might just replace it as a precaution

What are temps where you are & how long is the GPR staying on?...

low 20's at night right now, blockheater plugged in wait to start light will stay on for ~15 seconds, GP's on for about 90 sec

not plugged in about 30 sec for wait light and 2 min for GPs


by the way, just scanned it and got a CPS code (P0344) could that be the problem?

Could be from long cranks , they are a cheap test now, wouldn't hurt....I would try to get some realtime data if you can at cold start...You may want to have the batteries & the charging sustem checked also , now that the GP's are working ,they may be taxing the batteries....

I just ordered a new CPS.


Batteries and alternator are new, however it does seem to crank slow. maybe starter???

The longest it ever takes to start is about 3-5 sec though

How new?...What brand ?,& how big?....