Starting problem

[UnrealAntidote]

1986 F350 6.9L 4speed 4wd. anyhow, I have been having a bit of problems getting my rig started since it started to chill off a bit here in indiana. i can hear the glow plug controller kick on and off, but, when i turn the key over it just turns over and turns over and it will only fire on 1 cylinder then it will fire on 2 then back to 1......this continues till I eventually get it worked up to about 5 or 6 firing and it takes off on its own from there. I replaced the glowplugs thinking that was the problem with no luck in fixing my problem. any ideas?

[vitalidle]

Hmm how many miles? Could be low compression in your cylinder or cylinders.

[UnrealAntidote]

106k original miles.......was thinking about doing compression test, but for some reason im thinking electrical or fuel. it does smoke plenty after it finally fires up though.....which makes me think something in glowplugs........need to dig out test light i guess

what is acceptable compression for this engine?

[vitalidle]

Hmm with only 106 thousand I bet its not from poor compression. Not sure on the IDI probobly 3-400.

[UnrealAntidote]

Mmmk......I will take the test light to it tomorrow and test leads to GP's....if all of those are good I will do a compression test, if thats good I am stumped.....I know i can plug it in and get it to start fine, but, I shouldnt have to plug it in at 25* low temps at night and 35-40* when i start it, should I? was told 10* was the marker to plug it in.

[vitalidle]

Yeah test the gpr first then the gp's then go from there