Need some advice on cold start issue

[jeepzj94]

I've had this truck for a few months now and been slowly but surely addressing all of its issues. It is a 97 f350. It has a new cps(from ford) just put in new motor craft zd-11 glow plugs. Relay was replaced just before I got the truck. One uvch replaced and the other is in good shape. Truck has high mileage 326k and was showing signs of injector poppet valve wear. Well it's just not in the budget yet to get new ones so after lots of hours of researching, I found out about shimming them, and proceeded to do so. All 8 back to .004 clearance. That definitely added new life to the truck and made a big difference, but still on the first cold start of the day, the truck still won't start. Usually takes the block heater or a little ether to get it going. (I know, ether and gp's don't mix) I wait till they cycle off to Crank after using it. It has fresh oil and filter as well as new fuel filter. Oil is 15w40 and I know during cold that will play a part, but surely these trucks are supposed to start easier in the cold even with that weight of oil in them. I just don't know what to do next?? It's really frustrating as I work overnight, and have to park in a special place to be able to plug in overnight and then have to walk a long way to get inside. And even if not for that, it's still just getting old not having the truck work right. What else could it be, what else should I check??


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[jeepzj94]

Forgot to mention, both batteries are brand new as well, I replaced them just after getting the truck in December.


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[Haulstroker]

Fuel issue? Is the filter new or old(er)? Is your lift pump keeping the bowl full? How is the fuel pressure when you are cranking?

[jeepzj94]

Yes fuel filter is new, and the pump does keep the bowl full. I mean after the truck has gotten the first start out of the way, it seems like I barely get the key turned to the start position and the engine roars to life with no issue the rest of the day. Getting 50psi at the Schrader valve on the regulator while cranking.


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