It lives again, but...

[nc1500]

Finally got the truck started with some family help; put in a new fuel filter and used starting fluid sprayed into the compressor. The only problem is it won't start when cold and it takes about 5 seconds when hot (sounds like it's struggles a bit, as well). I keep having to pull the air cleaner tube to spray the fluid, which is a PITA. Both batteries checked out good.

I've read to check the glow plug relay, the injection drive module and the starter relay, among other components. How do you check:
- glow plug relay key on/off?
- IDM?

Thanks for the help. This truck is driving me nuts!!!

[NoRalPh]

First STOP with the "starting fluid"..... (really not meant for modern diesels)

I'm pretty sure your glow plugs Can NOT be working because glow plugs + starting fluid are a recipe for Disaster! If you keep spraying starting fluid into the "compressor" and manage to get the glow plugs to start working again you'll know it

[StarDriver]

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

First STOP with the "starting fluid"..... (really not meant for modern diesels)

I'm pretty sure your glow plugs Can NOT be working because glow plugs + starting fluid are a recipe for Disaster! If you keep spraying starting fluid into the "compressor" and manage to get the glow plugs to start working again you'll know it

Either the head may come off or the rods will be in the bottom of the oil pan, and you'll bend everything that doesn't break.

If it won't start like your saying, I'm guessing you may have gotten it hot and damamged the rings, thereby no compression.

[nc1500]

Got it started again, ran it for about 20 miles. It now starts and runs just fine; I'm guessing it just needed to finish bleeding out remaining air.

I've seen everyone from dealers to heavy equipment repair shops use starting fluid on stuborn 7.3 and 6.0's; if it comes down to using the fluid it's a last resort and works everytime. According to master diesel mechs I've talked with sometimes there is no other option.

[cliford]

yes starting fluid is bad... yes i have used it in my truck more than once... yes i know im lucky that i havent blown it up. . . anyways there is a good way that usually works with starting fluid. you cant use it like you would on a gasser. you need to start cranking and then as your crank you spray a TINY amount in. . .

[RRonning1984]

I dont really care if people use starting fluid if the glow plugs dont work but your begging to break your truck if they do.