88 7.3L diesel Install

[Darkharts]

ok guys i just installed a new Reman 7.3L IDI from Motorcraft and after replacing fuel filter flushing tanks new Fuel line kit and orings and checking for any fuel leaks it won't start if it sits for 5 min.. will crank everytime with a shot of starting fluid, idle fine and all just wont start if it sits and fuel filter is fule after sitting overnight.... any ideals??? it smokes a little !! and the only thing i have not replaced is the Fuel injection pump

[94OilBurner]

I would pull the fuel line that goes into the filter and feed it to a bucket or something. Then have someone crank it and make sure there is a healthy stream of fuel coming out. For my 94 7.3l, the mechanical fuel pump was only $28 and available next day from VIP.

Also, are the glow plugs working properly?

[Hemihotrodca]

My '86 had a fuel/water seperator on the fire wall that was causing the same thing. I replaced the factory unit with a Racor unit. I don't Know if the 88 has the same thing but if it dose by-pass it for a quick check.

[Sixliterchevybeater]

Dark we've got a spare 91 service truck at my shop that would do the same thing. It would fire up right off the bat and cut out after a few seconds...after that you HAD to shoot it with either otherwise you'd run the batteries down. After trying a few things we replaced the primary fuel pump (the one on the side of the block). Also there's a fitting (orifice fitting) that we took out and replaced with a regular brass fitting of the same diameter of the rubber line that it connects to.

[SCUFFY828]

just like a couple of the other guys said , definitly check base fuel pressure , have seen injection pumps do something very similiar , but make sure you have good fuel to injection pump