Truck won't start

[Grindem]

Hey all I'm new to the site I stubbled onto it a couple weeks ago and think it's a great place to swap info. Onto my problem, I have a 94.5 powerstroke and it won't start after it has sat all nite. It started fine until about a month ago and one morning while it was idleing it just died. No biggie I thought well the only way it would start was with a shot of either. Ever since then it won't start of a morning but it just takes a small shot of either. The temperature doesn't matter as it has seen 0-50F depending on the morning. The truck doesn't have a block heater. After the initial start the truck starts fine the rest of the day. Seems like there isn't sufficient fuel to start it but honestly I have no idea, this is my first diesel truck and any and all info would be appreciated.

[Rodslinger]

Welcome to Powerstroke.org! Some of the smart guys will be along shortly to give you some ideas as to the problem.
Enjoy the site!

[Diesel_Diagnostician]

I don't see how you guys get away using ether, but that's another topic, anyways before you start it in the morning no matter what method you use, check your oil resevoir, anti-drain back valve could be stuck letting the oil drain back (hence the name) causing the hard start/no start in the morning....

[Grindem]

Could you please tell my where this oil resevoir is located.

[djsdiesel]

Have you checked your glow plugs?? and glow plug relay?? And don't use ether any more, if you must use something use wd-40. Being a 94.5 i would go after the glow plugs and relay, and check the wiring harness to see if it is melted.

[Grindem]

The truck has a brand new relay on it, but I will check the glow plugs and wiring harness. Why is it better to use wd-40 than ether?

[djsdiesel]

Ether=bad things, your truck has glow plugs, so your squirting ether in and your glow plugs are hot, the ether will light off of the glow plugs when your engine is not ready for that cylinder to fire (more than can fire at the same time) could spin your motor backwards, could ignite before top dead center spinning your motor over in reverse against the starter, i'm sure there are many more reasons why NOT to use ether and I'm sure there will be more posted

[Grindem]

I understand that but what makes WD40 any better? Not trying to be smart I just want to know.

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by Grindem

I understand that but what makes WD40 any better? Not trying to be smart I just want to know.

Wd40 is an oil based lubricant....its flamability is similar to diesel...so it wont cause a large..hot detonation like a highly combustable fuel such as ether will.

[djsdiesel]

Originally Posted by Marc

Wd40 is an oil based lubricant....its flamability is similar to diesel...so it wont cause a large..hot detonation like a highly combustable fuel such as ether will.

exactly marc beat me to it