7.3 tough time starting sometimes.

[blackvr4]

Hey guys I am really new to the diesel world, I have had my 2001 Excursion for a few months now (Bone stock, with 194K on her now), recently I have been noticing that it takes a few more cranks than normal to start. When I first got it it seemed to start up on almost first crank, now it seems like its a few more rotations of the crank shaft before she actually fires up.

I know my way around mitsubishi engines pretty well (have rebuilt countless of engines and transmission) but when it comes to fords and diesels I feel like its a whole different world. Just curious if this is happening due to some part that needs to be replaced or what. I am not sure how to tell if the glow plugs are going bad or the injectors, the truck doesnt smoke at all, I don't know if either one being bad could cause smoke or not.

The only things I have done to the truck was an oil change about 6,000 miles ago. (with some Rotella T6) I have not changed the fuel filter yet, I am not sure if this could contribute to this issue or not.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thank You!

[7.3HeavyHauler]

definately need to check the fuel filter that will cause problems.

[blackvr4]

Isthere a fuel filter in particular you guys like to use? I went to pepboys and all they had is a proline filter. Not sure if i should check ford and buy oem.

[EasyRhin0]

Check Diesel O Rings .com I use those filters and they work great. Make sure you have a cap and filter separate. If your filter is attached to the cap when you toss it you will need to order a new separate cap that you can then keep.
How long have your glow plugs been in that rig? If they are stock they may be tired as well.

[7.3HeavyHauler]

i probably have 2 of 8 glow plugs working, mines a little rough but once she's been running its ok restarting but i am waiting to change mine when i change the doughnut gaskets.

[blackvr4]

Originally Posted by EasyRhin0

Check Diesel O Rings .com I use those filters and they work great. Make sure you have a cap and filter separate. If your filter is attached to the cap when you toss it you will need to order a new separate cap that you can then keep.
How long have your glow plugs been in that rig? If they are stock they may be tired as well.

Hey man, today the truck was really tough to start, so I really couldnt wait anymore and went to pepboys and purchased a purolator fuel filter for 30 bucks, it had the filter attached to the lid, which was the same as what I pulled out of the truck. As far as glow plugs I have never had them replaced and I honestly don't know how old they are, but a glow plug issue crossed my mind too!

Anyways here is a picture of the filter I pulled out. I noticed that the Oring on the bottom of the filter was completely missing! Who ever did the last filter change really messed it up I guess, not sure what the significance of that lower Oring is. But anyhow here is the picture of the filter I pulled out.

[blackvr4]

Alright guys, thought the problem went away with the filter but yesterday when the truck sat for about a day it took a long time cranking again before she fired up. Once it does start the truck runs and drives smoothly.

If it was a glow plug/GPR issue wouldnt the truck run rough until it warms up?

[screwatts]

No the glow plugs only affect startup

[jesilvas]

What's the ambient temp on these "cold" starts?
Things to check - 2 GOOD, individually load tested 850CCA minimum batteries. Clean terminal connections. Good cables and connections everywhere. 6k miles is the end of that oils life unless you get it analyzed and they say otherwise. The truck is going to crank over a few times till start.

[blue99stroker]

if you are getting white smoke on startup i would say glow plugs or relay were having issues.
or another issue could be a bad icp sensor.
if there is oil coming through the icp sensor its time for a new one.
i had hard starts because of a bad icp i figured this out after 8 new plugs and a new relay lol