Hard to start when cold

[powerstroke028]

I have a 02 f-250 with a 7.3. It is a california model. It has been in the 20s here in and I have to crank it at least 10 times before it will start. Once the engine is warm it starts fine. From what i understand my truck doent have a GPR because it is a cali model and the check engine light is not on. Any ideas what is wrong with her?

[Hoytster]

I could be completely wrong but I'm pretty sure the cali trucks still have the glow plug system on them. Sounds like your glow plug relay is bad. When my relay would go bad it would start real hard, about exactly as your described it. You need working glow plugs or a block heater to start well in 20 degree weather, it's just a fact with the 7.3.

[powerstroke028]

In years past my truck has never had any problems starting in the cold. I have noticed that other 7.3s have two relays behind the fuel bowl and mine only has one.

[JMart]

Originally Posted by powerstroke028

In years past my truck has never had any problems starting in the cold. I have noticed that other 7.3s have two relays behind the fuel bowl and mine only has one.

In years past your glow plugs where working better.

[Hoytster]

Originally Posted by JMart

In years past your glow plugs where working better.

Exactly. The GPR's on these things are undersized from the factory and burn out regularly. I'd been through 3 before I replaced it with a Stancor relay.

[blk99]

guys, CALI MODEL... it does NOT have a GPR... it has a GPCM.... but yes, sounds like either it or the glow plugs are bad (or both).... you need to do an ohm test on the GP's and see if they are working correctly... there is a thread around here somewhere telling you how do go about that, i dont have it in front of me...if they are working ok, its the GPCM... they arent cheap...

[Tyler]

If its in the 20's, let your wait to start light to go off, turn the key off and back on. Do that two or three times... should start fine.

[blk99]

the wait to start light means absolutely nothing.... it isnt even triggered from the GP's....

the glow plug system stays on for up to 2 minutes (or 3 cant remember)... leave the key on for about 30 sec to a minute and shut off... do that a few times and see what happens... if its still hard to start, its what i mentioned above...

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by blk99

the wait to start light means absolutely nothing.... it isnt even triggered from the GP's....

the glow plug system stays on for up to 2 minutes (or 3 cant remember)... leave the key on for about 30 sec to a minute and shut off... do that a few times and see what happens... if its still hard to start, its what i mentioned above...

The WTSL IS triggered by the GPR, but doesn't stay as long as the GP are on.
But you can also check the GPR voltage.

[blk99]

go out and take the wires off your GPR and tell me if the light still comes on....