Will not start without starting fluid

1990 CHEVROLET 3500
125,000 MILES • 6.2L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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RMARCE
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
6.2 diesel when cold will not start without starting fluid.
Suspect glow plugs.
Jan 12, 2020 at 1:29 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good evening,

Does it start okay when it is hot?

How does it run once it is running?

Did you check the fuel pump pressure to the fuel filter?

The system is controlled by the glow plug module. it will turn on and off the glow plugs. The amount of times depends on the signal from the temperature sensor. The colder the motor, the more time the plugs are used.

Did you verify power to the glow plugs?

Roy

Jan 12, 2020 at 4:05 PM
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RMARCE
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
After engine warms up it starts good and runs good.
Have not checked for power.
Jan 12, 2020 at 4:38 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You need to do those checks.

A common issue is glow plug failure. If one short out, you need to replace all 8 and the controller. Very common.

I had 2 of the old 6.2. Good engine but requires a lot of maintenance.

Roy
Jan 12, 2020 at 4:46 PM
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