wont start help - Diesel Forum

dually6690 · 11-07-2009, 01:12 AM

i just bought a 1991 f350 dually. when i first bought it from the guy it started fine but then it didnt want to start. so i checked batters they were a like 550 cca . i think they were to small so bought 2 1040 cca its turns over fine but doesnt start.check glowplugs 1 was bad replace it. i put electric fuel pump in thinking maybe does have pressure so know i got pressure all the time. still wont start.got newfuel filter air filter still wont start. it wont start in 60 degrees weather . it starts after the 3rd or four time cranking it for 20 to 25 seconds. if it does start after that than i put a spray of starting fluid and starts right up. my questions is could it be the relay and where is it located how do u test if bad or good thxs dually6690

B Reeves · 11-07-2009, 08:09 AM

Will it start after you plug it in for a couple hours?

dually6690 · 11-07-2009, 02:44 PM

i need to put a new one in its broken

chuckster57 · 11-07-2009, 03:38 PM

starting fluid is VERY bad for diesels if the GP system is working. You can have the fluid go BOOM and then you can look at the inside of your engine through the hole you made....

Are you getting any smoke when it does start? Once it starts the first time is it good for the rest of the day? If so then it sounds like air intrusion. The IDI is known for the return system leaking and allowing air into the system and making it hard to start.

rsr911 · 11-07-2009, 05:56 PM

What Chuckster57 said, plus the starter. With those little batteries it might have been overworked. I cooked a new Azone starter on mine with batteries that were going bad, luckily it was lifetime guarantee. If you can count the revs when cranking it's too slow and the starter should be replaced, but do the simple stuff first. With my new starter and new 1000CCA batteries and cleaned up terminals mine starts at 50F with no glowplugs (I've got a controller issue). I went out this morning and realized I'd forgotten to plug it in, figured I'd give it a try and sure enough it fired right up but my starter really spins it.

dually6690 · 11-07-2009, 07:53 PM

yes i am getting white smoke when first starts if i let it sit for couple hours then will not start.. iwill check the starter and where do u start to look for airleakes and how do u fix them. thxs dually6690

Snotzalot · 11-07-2009, 07:57 PM

Does if fire when you first crank, then die after a few seconds?

chuckster57 · 11-07-2009, 08:00 PM

You can search for the "clear line test" in the IDI forum, if you're so inclined. I would look into just replacing the stuff if it is factory original (still has the green paint on it). the things I am talking about are the plastic caps that fit on the tops of all the injectors and have a fuel line running between them and the IP.

There is an "O" ring at the top and bottom of each injector and excess fuel is returned to the IP for re-use and IP cooling. whats left over goes back to the fuel tank. This system is known to fail after time and it is a cheap fix. You will need an injector installation kit. It will have all the caps,"O" rings and fuel line with clamps needed. This kit can be purchased from E-bay, site sponsors or most major auto parts stores.

dually6690 · 11-07-2009, 08:02 PM

it stays running after i get it going

Snotzalot · 11-07-2009, 08:36 PM

So when it hasn't run over night, it doesn't even fire when you first try to start?

How fast does the starter crank it over, can you count the revolutions?

How long does the WTS lamp stay on when first turned on when cold?

dually6690 · 11-08-2009, 03:07 PM

it turns over but doensnt try to start untill second or 3rd cycle of glow plugs the tack doenst work so can count revoultions . it takes 10 to 11 seconds for wts lamp stay on when cold

dually6690 · 11-08-2009, 03:13 PM

also we only got 10 volts to glowplugs should there be more.

Snotzalot · 11-08-2009, 06:08 PM

9.6 V is correct.

Snotzalot · 11-08-2009, 06:11 PM

How fast is the starter turning over the motor, can you actually count the revolutions? A slow turn over indicates a bad starter and would give you this hard start.

wunderbrad · 11-18-2009, 05:40 PM

Sounds more to me like you need to check the glow plugs. I don't see on here where anyone has said that. The way to test them is to pull the plug off the top of each glow plug individually. Use your tester and set it on continuity test. The top of the glow plug should have continuity to ground on the engine. If it doesn't, it's not any good. I'd be willing to bet you have a few out.

Always replace all the glow plugs at one time. If you don't, you'll soon replace the rest. Be careful not to snap them off in the block. Use some anti-sieze lubricant when putting the new ones in.