powerstroke ?s

[EFI69Cam]

My 2001 PSD refused to start yesterday. Outside temp was about 15'F.

Is this the infamous glowplug relay? Anything else I need to look at?

[vintageracer]

Probably is the relay however there are other things it could be. Go to one of the powerstroke websites. They are very helpful with tech support.

It can get expensive very quickly when you start replacing parts without knowing the cause of the problem. My Powerstroke had a cold start problem this fall on 2 separate occasions. I replaced the glow plug relay and it starts fine now.

Everyone said my relay was way over due for replacement since the truck is 12 years old with 130K. Apparently the glow plug relay is not known for its longevity!

[EFI69Cam]

I replaced the relay, and the truck started just fine this morning in 18'.
After checking the web sites, its seems that the glow plug harnesses like to melt down, needing valve cover gasket replacement.

[kennyd]

mine did the same thing last week , just changed the glow plug controller and it has been perfect since

[JamesJ]

www.dieselstop.com

[SSBOWTIES]

Go to powerstrokeshop.com

[vintageracer]

Relay was bad. Truck starts properly now. Thanks for help!

[ProTeal55]

I had a 2002 Excursion with the 7.3L Powerstroke and would act funky when it dropped below 20 or so. Eneded up being the glowplug relay, along with it just being damn cold out.

After the switch, and keeping it plugged in I had no issues..

[EFI69Cam]

Update.

Got to -6'F last night. Truck did not start.

Is the block heater standard on all PSDs? I can find no cord in the front of my truck.

[1sick65]

I have an 04 PSD. I located my plug right behind the pass side tow hook. I heard they could be located on either side. It's worth a look.

[Boulder69]

It has been super cold here in Colorado. My place was built in the 50's with no insulation in the floor, walls or ceiling. My furnace kicks on around 5:30 pm and stays that way (mostly) until 9 am. My utility bill is gonna cut into my Forgeline budget!

[ProTeal55]

As far as I am aware all Powerstrokes come with a block heater.
I found my plug behind the drivers side tow hook zip tied outta the way..

[BMF Machine]

My 2001 PSD refused to start yesterday. Outside temp was about 15'F.

Is this the infamous glowplug relay? Anything else I need to look at?

Just infamous for not starting in the cold, I put 180,000 miles on a 1995, I used either to start it every very cold morning. Just a little squirt, it is very dangerous to the motor they say; My friend has 265,000 miles on that truck now, and still keeps either in the cab!

My 2001 just started it's life outside. Got 2 300's in the garage now; Brand New pieces of JUNK! But it has started in the cold; so far? Rough as hell, but it starts without the spray,lol. (152,000 miles on it)

Forgot to say, turn key on, wait for glow plug light to go out, then crawl out to the front give it some either! Yes, Glow plugs will blow up if exposed, once the light goes out your safe! Very important!



Kevin

(I would have to do a little either spray, WD-40 works but not as fast, over a second and 1/2 is too much, be careful, Spray it in the cleaner air duct or Cone filter, then walk to the cab and start it. Gives the fumes a little time to die down and spread out evenly. It will get the combustion that ya need with 7.3 Liters of Big huge motor!)(Then try 2 and 1/2 seconds!)

[Modo Innovations]

I have had a 2001 and I have 2002 now. Both of them have had the plug behind the driver's side hook. I have not had the glow plug problem on either one.

Ford bought back the 2001 from me. It used a quart of oil every 900-1000 miles. It took about a year and a half for it to happen. They keep saying that was normal. Good thing they have a "Seddlement Board". I found this info in teh back of the owners manual.

[vintageracer]

I have an old 91 7.3 diesel Ford that I "gas" all the time. If you do "gas" you truck, make sure the glow plugs have cycled and the glow plug light has gone off. It the plugs work a little and you hit the "gas", the ether can explode with the heat from the tip of the glow plugs.

Most likely not a problem since you are using the "gas" since your glow plugs do not work. I knew a fellow who sprayed the "gas" in his truck with working glow plugs and the explosion deformed the valve covers.

OOPS!

[EFI69Cam]

Someone told me that you can get a ether injection system for diesels. It shoots a measured amount in at the right time in the start process.

I am still hunting down the block heater, some say all PSDs have it, the owners manual says its optional. There is no cord in the front of the truck I can find. Where is the block heater itself, and what does it look like?

[Modo Innovations]

I believe mine is on the driver's side of the block just above the oil filter. It actually screws into the oil filter adapter (aluminum adapter) mine is an orange cable back at the adapter.

[EFI69Cam]

Thanks for all the info. I finally found the block heater. It was tucked up real tight behind the DS tow hook.

Now maybe I won't have to worry about cold starting.