1996 f250, wont start, has new starter.

[chil0068]

I've got a 1996 f250 and it doesn't want to start. about a week ago i put a new starter on and it is still a no go. I wait for the allotted time before fully turning the key, it cranks like it wants to go but, doesn't, just some white smoke coming out of the tail. However, once it is started and given a chance to warm up it turns over like it were brand new.

[nine6stroker]

Sounds like maybe a bad glow plug relay if it starts fine once it has been run. Have you tried jumping the posts on the relay before attempting to start and seeing if it makes a difference?

[chil0068]

No i haven't. the glow relay isn't whats mounted on the fender? Are the starter relay and the glow relay two different things? how would you go about jumping a relay, never done it. I've got a lot to learn so any thing helps.

[nine6stroker]

The relay on the fender is the starter relay. The glow plug relay is mounted on top of the center of the engine, right next to the fuel bowl. If I remember correctly, it's identical to the starter relay. If you still have the Powerstroke engine cover on, you may have to open it up or remove it (I haven't had mine on in so long, I don't remember exactly what it covered).

Here it is, as looking at the engine from the passenger side of the compartment:

[chil0068]

do you jump it like a battery or is there a specific procedure? trying to avoid blowing anything up or out. thanks

[nine6stroker]

Just take a screwdriver or something, and jump the two biggest posts on the top of the relay for 10 seconds or so, and then go and try to fire her up. I just had to do it about a month ago up in the dunes, because my new GPR wasn't wanting to function

[chil0068]

do you lay the screwdriver across the posts for the time or do you turn the key while the screwdriver is in place? this is new territory for me, would it be too much bother to ask for a step by step?

[nine6stroker]

When I did it, I held it between the posts for 10 seconds or so, and then ran over and turned the key can cranked it real quick. The key was off when I jumped the relay. I don't think having the key on while you jumped it would hurt anything though, it's just using a screwdriver to help it do what it's normally supposed to do automatically.

What kind of ambient temps are you having in your area?

[chil0068]

i live in Aspen. about mid 70's - mid 80's

[nine6stroker]

Are you having the hard starts after sitting at night? During the day here, if ambient temps are in the 80's and 90's, I don't even wait for my glow plugs to run. It fires right up. But my truck does need them for a little bit after sitting all night.