Glow Plugs

[skeeterriggs]

i have a 96 F 350 7.3l. If I keep my truck plugged in, it will fire no problem. If it sits for a couple of hours in the cold without being plugged in, I might as well call for a ride. I have some mechanic experience with my truck (mostly as I go learning) but I don't know where the glow plug relay is or really how to check if it is good. Any help would be appreciated.

[07_Fx4]

i've gotta 92 7.3 and it was about the same exact way it was terriable to start in the cold i took it to a local garage and they used a test light and stuck it to the glow plug it self (if i'm not mistaken) to check the relay but long story short i just replaced all the glow plugs and problem solved ..... it sat for about a week straight in 20* weather and started right up first try ....

[skeeterriggs]

I figured that is the road I will have to take, but don't really have time to get into taking valve covers off and changing out right now. I haven't replaced my relay yet, so I may try that first. Thanks for the reply.

[07_Fx4]

Originally Posted by skeeterriggs

I figured that is the road I will have to take, but don't really have time to get into taking valve covers off and changing out right now. I haven't replaced my relay yet, so I may try that first. Thanks for the reply.

no prob i'd test ur glow plugs first tho IMO because when i was doen all that to mine a new relay was gonna be a couple of hundred bucks (if i'm remb right)

[skeeterriggs]

I honestly have never heard a price because every time I go into a parts store and ask for a glow plug relay they look at me like I asked for a loaf of bread. I guess I will just have to tear into it. Thanks

[JohnO]

Not hard to do, you just need a volt meter. I'd suggest you check it first, because that relay isn't cheap. Some years ago when I had a Chevy with the 6.2, the glow plug relay went out. Two hundred bucks for that little box. They must have put the gold plating on the inside, because I sure couldn't see it.

Later, I replaced the glow plugs, and it made a big difference. The old ones can soot up, which insulates them and keeps some of the heat from coming through.