Warm up/glow plug questions.

[Brian Ski]

I have a 97 F250 with 275k miles. Truck seems to be in pretty nice shape. I am new to diesel vehicles. I know how diesels work but not all the tricks.

When I turn the key on I let the glow plugs warm for about 30 seconds. About 60-70 outside temp. If I start it sooner, I get a lug... lug... lug... several times. Guessing it is a cold engine. If I drive about 10-15 minutes say to the store, run in and out quick, crank the engine I still get a Lug... lug... a couple times.

Do you need to cycle the glow plugs every time??? My buddy has a couple 7.3s at work and sounds like they just hit the key and go.

When the weather gets cold (winter coming up) how long to you let the glow plugs warm up?

Any tips????

BTW I heard you can check the glow plugs by using a ammeter. Any one have a wiring diagram so I can check the wires out side the valve cover without taking the cover off??? Guessing individual wires going to each glow plug???

Thanks

[boozinag]

In the mornings (about 60-70 degrees) mine just comes right to life with out any heat, I don't do it often, but it does.

I know that isn't an answer, but it is something to compare notes to.

[zrain25]

Mine too sometimes I just crank her no glow plugs. Even at 50 degrees she fires


Sent from a Apple

[Brian Ski]

Originally Posted by boozinag

In the mornings (about 60-70 degrees) mine just comes right to life with out any heat, I don't do it often, but it does.

I know that isn't an answer, but it is something to compare notes to.

I appreciate that. Seems like mine is more temper mental. Not sure if it is engine age/miles or something else. If I bump the throttle it usually comes right out of it.

I have done a few minor repairs. Just trying to get any quirks worked out.

[kramarj]

Is it turning over slow? Or just turn over a few times before it starts?

[85_305]

^ Good question. 2 totally different things. diesels like huge batteries with lots of cca's that are in great condition.

Might be bad gpr, might be bad gp's (not as likely), might be a gunked up FPR screen, or might be bad batteries.

[Brian Ski]

Originally Posted by 85_305

Might be bad gpr, might be bad gp's (not as likely), might be a gunked up FPR screen, or might be bad batteries.

Batteries are a couple years old. But it does crank pretty fast. For the heck of it today... It was evening about 72 and the sun was starting to set. The sun was on the hood all day. I got in the truck and hit the key right away. It cranked pretty fast for about 15-20 seconds then fired off and purred. Normally after letting the gps glow for 30 seconds it will take right off. I would think at that temp it should take right off, not crank that long.

Also when it did start there was a fair amount of smoke. When the gps are on or a while I get no smoke.

What is a FPR screen???

[Brian Ski]

Got it... Quick search... FPR screen... Will have to check it out.

[85_305]

Ya def check it out! That little thing caused me a LOT of starting problems, just like you.

[blacksmoke powerstroke]

Like romp start? Sounds like a big cammed racecar romp,romp,romp?