1989 Ford F-250 7.3 Diesel

WOLAVER

MEMBER
1989 FORD F-250
V8
4WD
MANUAL
32,000 MILES

7.3 diesel refuses to start most times without shot of ether. If within 15 - 20 minutes fine, otherwise no. Have replaced injector and fuel pumps. Suspect glowplugs (have been a bit of a problem in the past), but maybe relay. I do not hear it click when dash "wait" light goes out.

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 AT 3:26 PM

2 Replies

DANAUTHIER

MECHANIC
156 POSTS

Have you checked for leaks in your fuel system. Even a small leak will allow the fuel to drain back to the tank and cause a hard start. The lift pump is low pressure, usually 6-8 psi, so if the fuel drains all the way back to the tank due to a leaking line, it takes quite a while to pump the fuel back up to the injection pump.
Just a though, let me know.
Dan

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Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 AT 3:37 PM

WOLAVER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the reply. I don't think it is a fuel leak. The lift pump was recently replaced so the system should be tight. My guess is the preheat system. It has been a problem in the past and I don't think it is operating at all now. Any idea of the trouble shooting procedure to check out the glowplugs and relay?

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Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 AT 2:30 PM