hard to start when cold - Diesel Forum

vanboy · 11-03-2009, 04:21 PM

ok here's one for ya.
1998 e 350, replaced glow plugs, relay, batterys and checked uvch. still will not start when cold (50 degrees or less). unless.... i hold the go pedal down about half way, then she fires right up and pukes out a small cloud of gray smoke. scaned with superchips 1705 tuner and no codes.

any idea's???

blageurt · 11-03-2009, 06:15 PM

You need a new Glow Plug Relay . . . a Good One . . . Stancor or OEM

vanboy · 11-03-2009, 06:38 PM

glow plug relay is motorcraft

blageurt · 11-03-2009, 09:08 PM

Is it a new one ? If it is new you might have to cycle the keys on and off two or three times. You do not hold the pedal down . It should start by itself. You turn it on , wait for the light to go out , then you turn it off . Turn it on again right away , then wait for the light to go out again , and then try to start it. On my truck when it is not plugged in I have to cycle the key three times before it starts . . . Do you have a block heater ?

vanboy · 11-03-2009, 10:28 PM

think i replaced it (gpr) last winter. maybee 2 years ago. kinda thought it should last longer than that. however, this is a service van, lots of stoping and starting. i hate it when the part you know cant possible be the problem actualy is! thanks blageurt, ill buy a new relay tomorrow.
cheers

vanboy · 11-16-2009, 08:30 PM

ok here is the update:
replaced gpr, still hard to start. cycled glow plugs three times this morning and still no start. checked gpr, working. checked vehicle harness for power, power to all eight pins. ohmed glow plugs through uvch, seven had one ohm, one had zero. pulled valve cover, tested uvch all ok, and all glow plugs tested one ohm. all wire harness's apear ok, not burned, cracked etc. sooooo............ what now?

blageurt · 11-17-2009, 06:43 PM

I assume oil is good ? Have you checked your fuel pressure ? Your lift pump could be going downtown . It should be at least 40-50 psi . Another thing could be the IPR it might be stuck or need a rebuild. Is there any you can monitor the HPOP pressure while cranking like with a scan tool ? If it does not hit 500 psi it will not start.

vanboy · 11-17-2009, 10:10 PM

just to be clear, the engine would start if i held the go pedal down. after talking to several local mechanics, i spent all day pulling the injectors. not fun on a van! tomorrow ill have them tested, and most likely replace them all. ill let ya know how it turns out.
cheers.

blageurt · 11-17-2009, 10:46 PM

That is why I suggested the IPR . . . Anyway it is a good idea to check / replace the injectors with high mileage. I would install some Stage 1's from Swamps or Dzl Jim since you already have them out . More bang for the buck. You could fry the E40d though !
Good Luck , I did my injector o-rings last year ! What a rush . . .

Kaliburz · 11-18-2009, 04:36 PM

vanboy- good luck on your issues. By the way, your nickname is what I registered under on another diesel forum.... since I have 3 diesel vans....

vanboy · Yesterday, 09:48 PM

its alive!!! and starts when cold! injector shop said my o rings were leaking and i had a few bad plungers. at any rate all is well. thanks to all for the reply's.

kaliburz; you have three diesel vans....... i feel your pain.

cheers