DIAGNOSE MY TRUCK PLEASE- 2000 7.3L

[NW USMC VET]

So I am completely new to the diesel word with the exception of tractors and military experience. I just got my first deisel - 2000 f250 ec 7.3l 6 speed 156k. I would like to ask a few general questions though I have no major problems at the moment. It is cold here in Oregon about 40-50 every night. Truck starts hard in morning if not plugged in... white smoke out of tail pipe- takes about 1min to start after trying on and off. I wait for "wait to start light" to turn off as well. If i plug in the truck then it starts great. I thought it was glow plugs at first but i changed those out my self and same problem. From reading other posts my hunches are- FUEL INJECTORS, GP RELAY, OR "HPOP" WHICH I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THAT OIL PUMP. In addition my truck puffs pretty good amount of black smoke when accelerating even if very warm.... especially underload or under 1500rpm. I did have residual oil in y-pipe and intercooler pipes but i understand this is pretty normal because of the crank case vent... Thankyou in advance to all who reply. - Nick

[Zaairman]

Garret turbo is stock. Check your glow plug relay, I bet it's out.

[ToMang07]

Garret is stock.

I would bet it is your GP relay, especially if it runs well after it's warm. White smoke on a cold start is normal.

As far as black smoke when under load.... mine does it with a chip, but not w/o a chip. (is your chipped?)

[Dave]

Replace the Glow plug relay. Its shot. Very common problem with the 7.3

[justinlogue5_0]

Here is some great reading if you haven't seen it already. It has more links inside this link that should answer a bunch of your questions(including trouble shooting GP's )

Winter Operation, Hard Starting, Hissing Sound Etc...

[NW USMC VET]

im sure its not chipped- i will test then replace gp relay iof necissary- thankyou all so much for your help and support