Cold start problem fixed

[slayer]

I finally found the solution to my cold starting problem. Checked batteries, changed glow plug relay and glow plugs, still wouldn't start below 25 degrees. Heard about the gelling problems with the new ultra low sulfer diesel so I thought I would give an anti gel an try. Got some Power Service Diesel Kleen anti gel formula(white bottle) poured about half the bottle in, drove it around to get it through the system. The following morning it was about 8 degrees and I did not plug my truck in. I let the glow plugs warm up for about 1 and a half minutes and the truck started. That solved my problem and hope it helps someone else out.

[Lord Tauk]

Kind of a dumb question, did you let the plugs glow for over a minute before you attempted to start it before?

[Banshee34]

Great to hear your problem is solved!!!!

[slayer]

Not a dumb question, yes I let my glow plugs warm up for a minute or two before. I don't think you have to keep them on for that long, I did just because it was cold and I wanted to make sure the cylinders were plenty warm. Here lately I am only waiting about 10-15 seconds to start it and its starting fine. I just wanted to give someone another idea to try instead of having to replace all of your injectors. Also I have heard that you should add a little more anti-gel than recommended on the bottle. I saw it on the news here in Omaha, and thought I would give it a try and it seems to be working. Its going to get below zero for a couple of days here, hopefully it will start.

[jas_stang]

has anyone ever checked the fuel heater mounted in the bowl of the filter housing? i thought that was there to help prevent fuel gel/wax. i am having similar problem with my 99

[Powerstrokin']

I always thought that "cycling" the glow plugs was the way to go. I know if I don't plug mine in here lately that I have to put the jump box on it cause of the drain on the batteries. So I was always turning the key on, when the "wait" light went out I turned the key off and started the process over again for 2 or 3 cycles. So the g-plugs will continue to warm if you just leave the key in the on position?

Rob

[Powerstrokin']

Bump...Any thoughts!

Originally Posted by Powerstrokin'

So the g-plugs will continue to warm if you just leave the key in the on position?




Rob

[pipelayerjdh]

I think they go off after 90 seconds, I cycle mine twice when cold also.

[jas_stang]

no, the glow plug on time is determined by the pcm depending on several sensors, oil temp, engine temp, outside temp, etc. when you turn the key on, the wait to start light is illuminated and the glow plug relay energizes the glow plugs, the light goes off, but sometimes depending on conditions, the glowplugs are still energized, i am not sure of the time, but i think it can be up to 2-3 minutes, then they are cycled off. if you turn the key to off, then back to on, the pcm will again take control of the glow plug relay depending on the sensors signals it is receiving. I may not be correct on this but from my research, this is how i understand the system to work, i am sure if i am wrong, someone will help correct me. i would appreciate it. with my truck, sometimes it starts up just fine and other times it takes 10+ tries. i can tell when it is having a hard time because it will sound like it is trying harder to turn over, and the oil pressure gauge won't read any pressure. when it does try to start, the oil pressure comes up, then it will start and idle irratically up and down for 10-20 seconds. i have an oil leak that is getting larger, about the diameter of a popcan in 2 days and the valley has oil puddles all along it, so now i am considering replacing hpop orings, oil line orings and the separator drain valve orings. i was thinking while i had the filter housing off, i would check the fuel bowl heater. i called the dealership for a price quote on a new heater and the parts counter couldn't find what i was talking about, and i can't find much information on the net about. anyone have any help.

[Hayman]

Originally Posted by Powerstrokin'

I always thought that "cycling" the glow plugs was the way to go. I know if I don't plug mine in here lately that I have to put the jump box on it cause of the drain on the batteries. So I was always turning the key on, when the "wait" light went out I turned the key off and started the process over again for 2 or 3 cycles. So the g-plugs will continue to warm if you just leave the key in the on position?

Rob

I do the same thing i have tried it several different ways like turning the key once and letting the glow plugs and try starting it up.It seems 3 times is a charm.I only do that when it is real cold and i forget to plug it in.