Refreshing a 93 F250?

[protomor]

I want to do some maintenance to my new F250 to get it running tip top. What do you guys suggest? I was figuring on refurbishing the fuel system (new lines/filter) but what else can I do?

The truck has had a hard time cold starting so I just went ahead and replaced ALL the glow plugs. I know, big $$ for not much if they all work but I actually found 2 out of 8 unplugged! Now when the truck is warm, it'll start on the first crank. But it still takes forever when its cold.

[osufireman]

Some things to look for on the cold start issue.

-GP's, only use Motorcraft ZD9's, they should say Beru on them. Many people have problems with Autolites, Bosch, and other brands burning out and sometimed the tips breaking off. Also, when the truck is cold I've seen most people glow about 10-12 sec, mine does as well. If your WTS light comes on then off there could be a short with the wires or your GP relay/GP controller could be bad.

-Electrical, make sure your batteries are in good shape, 880 CCA I believe? All grounds and terminals are clear of corrosion and have good contact.

-Starter, does the engine turn fast enough when you crank it over? You shouldn't be able to count the revs, if it sounds slow then your starter might be tired.

-Air Intrusion, if it seems like you don't have fuel right away you might be getting some air into the lines. Possiblities, bad o-rings around filter, cracked lines in between injectors, worn out return lines to fuel tank.

[94_turbo]

The truck has had a hard time cold starting so I just went ahead and replaced ALL the glow plugs. I know, big $$ for not much if they all work but I actually found 2 out of 8 unplugged! Now when the truck is warm, it'll start on the first crank. But it still takes forever when its cold.[/quote]
when cold--below zero,let the glowplugs cycle--turn off key quick,then back on, when light goes out, turn it over. should start. even with good gps, you sometimes need a second cycle.,esp if the truck is getting high miles--

[protomor]

I think I'm getting air in the system. After replacing the glow plugs (2 weren't even plugged in >_<) the truck will now start, it just takes a while of cranking. It doesn't sound like it almost starts, it just cranks and cranks, then all of a sudden starts. So I ordered an injector kit. Hopefully the return lines are fine. Anyone have a diagram for where the lines run so I can check?

[Snotzalot]

Typically when you have leaking return lines there is usually enough diesel in the system to fire it up but it dies in a few seconds. If this is not your symptom, you may need batteries, battery cables or a starter.

How fast does the motor turnover when you first try to start it? Can you count the turns or does it spin too fast to count?

[Snotzalot]

Originally Posted by protomor

Anyone have a diagram for where the lines run so I can check?

Replace them piece by piece, don't remove them all. It's an easy job. Lube the orings with petroleum jelly before you try to push the caps on.

[protomor]

The motor spins over fairly quickly. I don't know what the normal speed it would be though. The batteries were tested and are good.