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Wait to start light

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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 08:55 AM
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Wait to start light

Hey everyone,
I have a 6.9 f250 that I'm still learning about. Runs like a champ however I noticed lately that the wait to start light will keep flashing off and on even after I'm driving her down the road. Also I hear a clicking sound coming from what I think is the voltage regulator? Little gray box on the passengers side?? I can hear that lil guy going off too. She starts fine runs fine and I have no leaks or anything. I was planning a road trip in a few days with her wanted to make sure we leave in good condition. Any ideas? is there anything I can do instead of taking her in? Thanks a lot
 
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 10:06 AM
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There are ways to check the voltage regulator... I can't remember the test procedure.... And as for the wait to start light need to check to see if the glow plugs are actually cycling or if its just the light coming on!... But the glow plugs will cycle for a short period of time until the engine reaches a certain temperature... Sorry I can't be more specific your touching on subjects that I haven't really messed with! I will be doing all this soon though
 
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 01:23 PM
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Sounds like to me that your Glow Plug Controller (If you have the later style bullet-plugs) may be on it's way out... I wouldn't think you'd get clicking from the earlier style Contoller that sits in the back of the Driver's Head...

What year is your rig?
 

Last edited by Muddy74Ford; Apr 24, 2014 at 01:23 PM. Reason: I had a Siezure and made a typo ;)
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 01:30 PM
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Originally Posted by 86f250XLT-4x4
There are ways to check the voltage regulator... I can't remember the test procedure.... And as for the wait to start light need to check to see if the glow plugs are actually cycling or if its just the light coming on!... But the glow plugs will cycle for a short period of time until the engine reaches a certain temperature... Sorry I can't be more specific your touching on subjects that I haven't really messed with! I will be doing all this soon though
Alright sounds great! Ill start by checking the gp's out and do a little research on how to check the voltage regulator. Are these things that need to be taken care of ASAP?? Thanks again buddy
Lindsay
 
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Muddy74Ford
Sounds like to me that your Glow Plug Controller (If you have the later style bullet-plugs) may be on it's way out... I wouldn't think you'd get clicking from the earlier style Contoller that sits in the back of the Driver's Head...

What year is your rig?
Ok thanks for your help!!! 1985
 
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 02:35 PM
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If the voltage regulator actually fails it can start frying things usually starts with headlights so if it is going bad then yea it needs taken care of!
 
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 86f250XLT-4x4
If the voltage regulator actually fails it can start frying things usually starts with headlights so if it is going bad then yea it needs taken care of!
Ok great that's fine. Nothing's dim lights are all good but would the clicking be because its starting to go bad?
 
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 06:53 PM
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On the early system, 83-86, the GP controller is on the back of the D/S head, it controls the GP relay that you are hearing on the pass side fender. A few on/off cycles of the GP relay and light for a few seconds after start is normal, if it's doing it minutes after start your GP controller is going bad.

I can only recommend from personal experience either an IH or Motorcraft controller, the cheap-os fail in the ON position and fry your glow plugs.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 06:54 PM
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Glow Plugs 101 Tutorial
 
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