[hweaver]

I have a 1994 F250 IDI non turbo that I just bought with 93,000 miles. On the first startup of the day it will not start. A small shot of starting fluid will get it going, but with a lot of white smoke. I have replaced the glow plugs with ZD-9s and they stay on for about 15-20 seconds. I have replaced the injectors with new ones and there is still the starting problem. The starter turns over very well so I don't think that is the problem. I have had these engines before and this is proving the be a strange problem to me.

What do you folks think the problem might be?

 

[chuckster57]

I think the first thing you need to do is the take the can of starting fluid and toss it as far as you can. If the GP's are in good working order and it sounds like they are, then spraying that stuff and starting your truck could cause parts of your engine to fly farther than you threw the can.

Sounds like air issues to me. When you changed the injectors, did you install all NEW return lines,caps and "O" rings? If not then start there. If you did then I would do the "clear line" test. If you search on the IDI forum, there is plenty of threads that describe the procedure. Also check under the IP for fuel drippping. The supply line from the filter header to the back of the IP has seals that can leak and drain the fuel out onto the valley pan (mine did this) and cause the same issues you are having. Mine would start,die and blow white smoke for a minute. replaced the seals and good to go.

 

[hweaver]

I am careful with the Starting Fluid, however I live in an area where a no start could be disastrous (Freezing to death) so I will keep the go juice in the truck. I will check out the area under the IP. I did replace all the return line system including caps, and lines but that didn't fix the problem. Any other ideas will be appreciated also.

 

[Evel486]

Check the voltage to each bank of GPs, the relay or the controller may not be functioning properly.
As for starting fluid- wait til the glowplugs are off, then crank the engine. Once the engine is spinning give a small whiff of fluid into the air cleaner. This should be enough to start. I live in the North, too. You do what you gotta do.

 

[ARIZHNT]

I keep my propane torch handy for those cold starts (or cold no starts as the case may be) situations instead of starting fluid.

 

[cdnsarguy]

Visit the below page and read about clear hose testing. Just remember to put a vertical pigtail loop in the clear line. This allows you to see which way the air is going.

Does the fuel filter have any wet spots especially near the black heater connector or on the base.

Ford diesel 6.9 7.3 IDI