Hard start/no start after sitting

[MrCarlson]

I recently bought a 97 F350 with a powerstroke. The previous owner said that he was selling it because he didn't use it much anymore and after it sat for a while it didn't start well. He brought it into his shop and they replaced one of the glow plugs right before I bought it.

It definately has issues starting when it is cold and it has been sitting (I am in Fargo, ND... so we do see cold). I bought the truck in January, so its been cold since I bought it. It would start OK or poorly if I started it the day before or so. Waiting a week or more and it was really tough to get started.

Trying to diagnose the hard start I have.

1) confirmed that the glowplugs are working well (with an ammeter I measured a 200amp draw when they were first turned on, spec is supposed to be at least 160, or so I have read). Plus, the shop had just tested/replaced.

2) Confirmed the oil level is sufficient

3) Confirmed that the air filter is clean (a dirty filter was actually making it start harder before)

4) Confirmed that the battery isn't just draining (I put a charger on it before hand and then use the 200amp boost when it starts, it turns over fast, still doesn't start) so I don't suspect bad batteries or starter.

5) Added a diesel clean fuel additive (figured it couldn't hurt)

Any ideas what could cause this? The motor runs fine once it warms up, and seems to have plenty of power.


thanks for any advice.

-Matt
"Knowledge is HorsePower"
97 F350 PS, 4x4 dually, flat bed
97 F250 PS, 4x4, ext cab, tommy lift, Boss 9'2" V plow

[MrCarlson]

Sorry, I intended to post this in General, not Upgrades and Aftermarkets, will repost there.

-Matt