7.3 won't start when cold

[STROKEN-J]

I have a 99 250 and was having the same problem two days ago and every thing check out OK but i replaced the GPR anyways and that fixed it. It was -6 this morning and i hand no trouble fire-n it up

[Ken]

Thanks to jimmy, wes and others for the answer to my headbolt heater plug-in location, and was right where they said would be, behind the bumper and tow hook. I am betting after plugging in tonight, all will be better tomorrow. Will be frequenting this forum many times as my 7.3 and I become better friends. Thx again. Ken

[bdp]

I had the same problem. Changed the relay and it didn't help. It ended up
being the starter, I didn't notice the old one cranked slow because it sounded
like a normal vehicle. A mechanic finally checked and found the starter was
pulling excess amps, put a new one on which was about $300 and then it cranked a lot faster, haven't had any trouble starting since.

[No-Neck-Shrek]

Update on my truck, I changed the glowplugs and now it starts ! ! I had tested everything, batteries, glowplug relay, glowplugs (w/test light & resistance), and fuel pressure. Everything tested good ! ! ! I had the Motorcraft glowplugs (Beru) and I used Motorcraft as the replacements. I don't know why it all tested good and didn't start before, but it starts and runs properly when its cold now.

[myfordfromdad]

Originally Posted by Dude00

I would Try just replacing the relay first before digging into the Glow plugs. Had the same problem, Bought a glow plug relay and installed it myself took me 5 min and now my truck starts great in cold weather

I have inherited my truck and have always had gas trucks before. It won't start now and it is showing all the symptoms that i have read here. I will try the relay first if someone can tell me where it is? Is it in the fuse block under the hood?
Thanks for any help.

[myfordfromdad]

Originally Posted by No-Neck-Shrek

Update on my truck, I changed the glowplugs and now it starts ! ! I had tested everything, batteries, glowplug relay, glowplugs (w/test light & resistance), and fuel pressure. Everything tested good ! ! ! I had the Motorcraft glowplugs (Beru) and I used Motorcraft as the replacements. I don't know why it all tested good and didn't start before, but it starts and runs properly when its cold now.

If the relay doesn't solve my problem I am going to replace the gp's. I can't even see them when I look in the engine compartment. did you replace them yourself or take it to the shop. Is it a big pain? Sorry so many questions this is my first 7.3 diesel.

[djsdiesel]

how bout some info on the truck?? like year, mods etc.
The relay if your standing in front of the truck is on the left side just off center of the engine next to the fuel filter housing,(may need to remove plastic cover that says powerstroke) depending on year 99.5-03 there might be two relays in this area, the glow plug relay would the one to the rear and would be smaller, 94.5-97 only one relay there. The glow plugs are under the valve covers. not very hard to do. do a search or check out the tech files under 7.3l and you should find instructions.

[No-Neck-Shrek]

I did it myself, not a bad job.

[4X4DIESELNUT]

I had the same problem (im not tying to be a smarta$#) but I read the veh manual that came with the vehicle and it said in cold temps give 1/4 to 1/3 throttle when turning over. Low and Behold it works if it is going to be below 32 degrees I plug it in and it satarts right up. that was my experience.