[biglex]

Ok so I bought this E-350, ex u-haul with the 7.3 liter ID engine. It hasnt ever started very easy. I thought once it warmed up, it would fire easier, and it does, but is still VERY slow to start. I have replaced the glow plug relay, and it seemed to help a touch, but what else could be the cause? Any ideas???

 

[glassbed]

greetings
there could be several things that could be going on
1 is did you test the glow plugs before you tested the controller if not there maybe someplugs that are bad
another could be the batteries
another could be air in the fuel
and many others more people will add on
list your profile so we can know where you are and what your truck is

 

[biglex]

Ok I am not even going to try to cover it up. I know VERY little about diesel engines. 6 months ago I didnt even know there was no spark.

How exactly would I check to see if the glow plugs worked? I took the cable off of one, and put a brand new one in it, and tried to see if it would come on, but then someone told me it actually had to be seated and grounded to actually work, so that didnt work for me.

The batteries seem to be pretty good, they hold up and crank away for a good while, although I have had to recharge it in the cold when it wouldnt start.

 

[OkieGringo]

Bad glow plugs are usually the main culprit of hard/no start. Use ONLY Motorcraft ZD-9 Glow Plugs(NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use Autolite Glow Plugs in these engines). Motorcrafts are available at Autozone for $9.00ea. Bad/weak batteries and/or a worn out starter are next in line. First, replace the GPs, then let us know if it helps. We'll go from there. These old diesels are pretty simple to fix, it's just that parts are pretty expensive, but they last a loooong time. Good luck, OkieGringo

 

[Weezer]

Okie's right and I'd like to add that parts tend be MUCH less than the IDI offspring, the Powerstroke (the "Dark Side") where a set of rebuilt injectors could cost you more than a grand. In your ole E350, a set of injectors can be found for less than $400, brand new. The list goes on but I hope you get the message that if you can turn a wrench, these old dogs are simpler and cheaper in the long run. The only problem we're seeing now is availability of parts- seems the diminishing market for aftermarket parts is sending some retailers over to the "Dark Side" but it's still possible to find most items.
Welcome to the site.

Keith