Hard start, Tries to die

[Beaty 6.9]

Hello,
This is the first time to the site. I have an '83 F250 6.9 and am having some trouble lately. A friend of mine told me to check the site out so here i am.
I will outline below the problems i am having....if anyone (more mechanically inclined than me), can help, id appreciate it much. Also, if anyone knows a good mechanic around the Sanford, NC area, please hook me up with a contact. thanks again for any help.

-Most the time, i have to spray starter fluid (diesel friendly), to get started

-Lately, been tryin to die after start

-When i get 'er up to about 45 and then press the diesel, it starts trying to stall or either takes off like a dang banchee. If i accelerate real slow, usually dont have a problem.

-Does not have a water seperater but i change the filter every other oil change and add the diesel heat stuff that is suppose to take out water.

-Truck has 166,000 original miles and doesnt leak a single drop.

-Last year i replaced the glow plugs and relay switch but did not replace the controller. i have a new one but the old didnt seem bad.

-Glow plug wiring harness needs to be replaced but i cant find one anywhere. folks say you have to mod the 7.3 harness now?

-Sorry the message is so long, just tryin to get it all in there in hopes theres somone who knows their poo better'n i do.

thanks again for any help.

Beaty

[cdnsarguy]

First read over air in the fuel on this page.....

Ford diesel 6.9 7.3 IDI Look for clear hose testing. How old are the injector fuel return lines and orings...... if they are leaking diesel they will leak air in allowing the fuel to drain off ....... hard start then stall.

Sure sounds like air in the fuel system or starving for fuel...... if the fuel level in the tank selected is at 1/4 or below your fuel pickup in that tank may have broken off.... a known and common problem. Fix would be to remove the sender assy from the tank and extend the pickup line.

The Glow plug system may not be working correctly or the controller stuck on and burned out the GPs..... another known problem. Using a test light connected to 12 volts........ touch the probe to the spade terminal on each GP to see if a light appears (removal of the spade terminal wire connector is required) any that do NOT light may be burned out.

Before removing any GPs from the engine.. read GP removal info on .....
Ziggster's page

Also check out the manual rewire to a PUSHBUTTON operation....... do Not use a on/off switch as the article suggests.......missprint.

[studdy05]

classic air in the lines symptoms, i agree

[Beaty 6.9]

Got my truck back yesterday. they changed out the fuel pump and the glow plugs. cranks right up now but still tries to die a little (may be a little air still in the line). seems to be good to go. the mechanic did say to stop using starting fluid so im sure i will be back at the shop come winter. thanks much for your help. i appreciate it.

[artoo93]

Starting fluid, "diesel friendly" or not is BAD for the engine. If used, it will create more problems in the long run. Make sure and check the fuel return lines. If they are looking old and cracked, they need to be replaced. I had the same problems with mine about a year ago. The mechanics changed out the glow plugs and the truck started and ran great for a while but the return lines were dry and cracking. I started to get air in the system and the truck would start and die and I would spend another few minutes repriming the system. Once it was started and running, it ran all day with no problems. If you are worried about starts this winter, consider some kind of block heater. Makes life much easier. Good luck.