'97 F250 7.3 starting issue

[albertaangler]

My '97 has recently been much harder to start. Had it since new and has ALWAYS started within a couple of seconds.
Last couple of weeks it has taken 3 fairly long attempts (starter 'on' and cranking for 10 to 20 seconds).
When it does start it smokes and coughs a bit for a few seconds.
Just changed fuel filter - no dif.
Any hints??
Tks

[351fifty]

You try new batteries or starter yet?

[albertaangler]

Had u read my problem - the motor turns over = starter working and batteries fine.
could it be glow plug(s)??

[OnTheBio]

Originally Posted by albertaangler

Had u read my problem - the motor turns over = starter working and batteries fine.
could it be glow plug(s)??

Wow. What a way to acknowledge someone for going out of their way to help you.

He's suggesting checking your batteries probably because it's free to do and (someone correct me if I'm wrong) a low battery can turn over the motor but still not have enough cranking amps to get it going.

Seems like a good suggestion to me before you replace glow plugs. Or at least get out a DVOM and test em'!

Hope I read your problem right.

[albertaangler]

Jeez: a bit testy this morning?? I clearly stated that 'it has taken 3 fairly long attempts (starter 'on' and cranking for 10 to 20 seconds).
When it does start it smokes and coughs a bit for a few seconds.'
So it's quite obvious that both starter and batteries are fine or it wouldn't turn over or start eventually.

My question remains - what should I be looking into????

...... and I do appreciate others time and effort when answering the question asked.

Thanks

[clatterindiesel]

Originally Posted by OnTheBio

Wow. What a way to acknowledge someone for going out of their way to help you.

He's suggesting checking your batteries probably because it's free to do and (someone correct me if I'm wrong) a low battery can turn over the motor but still not have enough cranking amps to get it going.

Seems like a good suggestion to me before you replace glow plugs. Or at least get out a DVOM and test em'!

Hope I read your problem right.

This guys right, so with battery and starter. The motor has to be spinning a certain amount of revs to get going, if it isn't it will just turn over but not crank. I know this may not matter, but it happened to me and batteries fixed her right up.

[clatterindiesel]

O! I see now..........

[Patrick Feeley]

Yes, your starter is actually turning (being fed by the batteries). That does not mean that they are working as they did when they were new. They do have a huge effect on the starting of these trucks. They do slow down over time and you won't even notice it. It may not be your problem but don't overlook it. What happens when you plug in the block heater for about 3 hours prior to the first start of the day? Cheers!

[albertaangler]

Batteries are testing @ 12.7v after sitting 2 days. So, good??
Turn over sounds to be same rpms as normal, maybe a tad slower
...... hmmmmmmm haven't tried heating the engine (block heater)- certainly getting cold enough past few nights. -6oC last night. I'll try that over the weekend. And if that makes a dif what is it telling me? Besides oil is more fluid and engine turns easier when warm.

[greasyF250]

glow plugs? What is your ICP when cranking? I just replaced my HPOP, it took 15 seconds of cranking to get 500 psi just to fire.