[crghou]

I found a truck I was going to look at tomorrow and I talked to the owner and he said that if the truck sits for a few days he has to use starter fluid on it. So that has me little concerned. Is that a bad thing if it needs starter fluid to get started? Glow plugs maybe need to be replaced or should I just steer clear.

thanks

 

[WhiteGardens]

I wouldn't necessarily think the motor is bad if you have to start it with fluid. Potentially there could be leaks on the return lines and it looses prime after sitting a couple of days.

Glow plugs might not be working properly either. Hopefully they aren't, because if they were, the combination of ether and hot glow plugs aren't good for the heads.

You'll know more when you hear it running. WD-40 is a better product for starting these motors as it has a higher flash point than either.

 

[crghou]

how hard would it be to install new return lines? Do you have to take off the heads?

 

[1dieselman]

I would steer clear of it IF he has used starting fluid on it a lot. If he has only done it a couple of times it should be fine. If he has used starting fluid and the glow plugs where good and got hot they won't be any good any more. There is a return line kit online for about $30, it takes about 1 hr to install, no you don't need to pull heads.

 

[crghou]

but you would imagine if he used starter fluid on it a lot that the truck could have some serious problems in the future?

 

[1dieselman]

Starting fluid erodes the tops of the pistons.

 

[crghou]

hmmm yeah that is definitely not good. I guess I will ask the dude how often he had to use it and go from there.

thanks

 

[magking1971]

I would steer clear of it IF he has used starting fluid on it a lot. If he has only done it a couple of times it should be fine. If he has used starting fluid and the glow plugs where good and got hot they won't be any good any more. There is a return line kit online for about $30, it takes about 1 hr to install, no you don't need to pull heads.

Could you point me in the direction of this return line kit, This will be my spring project.

 

[1dieselman]

eBay Motors: FORD 6.9 7.3 DIESEL INJECTOR RETURN LINE KIT 6.9L 7.3L (item 130287547202 end time Mar-14-09 17:25:15 PDT)
You didn't say what year your truck is but take notice that there is two different kits, early style and late style, he's got both.

 

[magking1971]

Thank you. I also have to replace the line from IP to tank switch.
It will be a great project...:icon_wink:

 

[1dieselman]

The projects never end.:icon_rolleyes: I suggest you make a signature for yourself with the truck info, next time you have a question or need help we will know what your working on.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[skunk]

starting fluid shocks the per-chanber in a IDI and over time will frig things up. something like brake cleaner is a bit better. my truck wont even fire with wd40... just plug it in for a few hours and that should do the trick. i like the oil pan magnet heater better that the standard block heater. better yet just use both.

 

[DieselHawk]

Consequently, if you'd like to avoid shipping from FL to WA, Oregon Fuel Injection sells the kit for about the same price. I've bought it from them and found their parts to be good quality.

Oregon Fuel Injection, your diesel fuel injection specialist, rebuilt turbochargers, injectors, pumps and diesel performance products.