Diesel Mechanic

[Phobia]

There's nothing really "wrong" with my truck, but I think I need new glow plugs. For the past couple weeks, the truck takes 4 or 5 tries to get it started. This is only when it has been sitting for a while. If I've driven it same day, it fires up no problem.

I'm thinking glo plugs. Any professional or somebody in the know have any advice for me?

[Soupnazi]

Here's a test to see if the glow plugs are starting to die:

Next time the truck is cold, cycle the plugs twice. Turn on the ignition, and let them heat up. Shut off the ignition and immediately turn it back on. Then wait for the light to go out again, and hit the starter.

If it fires noticeably easier than when you cycle just once, it is most likely the glow plugs beginning to go bad.

How many miles on the truck?

[Boise_Chief]

Not being a smart a**s but you are waiting for the wait to start light to go out first. It's happened before.

[Phobia]

180k

[Phobia]

Not being a smart a**s but you are waiting for the wait to start light to go out first. It's happened before.

I have remote start that does that automatically.

[Boise_Chief]

We have similar trucks. Mine has 300,000 miles on it and it starts harder in the fall and winter. On really cold days I cycle the ignition 2-3 times. If you end up replacing the glow plugs post back on how hard it was or how much you paid to have it done.

[C-Mac]

I have remote start that does that automatically.

Most likely old tired plugs or low voltage.

[Boise_Chief]

Most likely old tired plugs or low voltage.


Great point about low voltage. Two years ago I had one of the batteries go bad, and it started hard. After replacing it it started much better.

[ROYC75]

( a possible TK quote here ) Duh, Change the spark plugs .

:D

[ROYC75]

How often do you run a fuel injector cleaner in your tank ? Faulty injectors do not put out enough spray in the chambers for combustion.

Before the big wave of cars and small trucks with diesel engines, we used transmission fluid in our tanks.

[C-Mac]

I forgot, try a can of this too. :D

[Phobia]

Had a terminal slightly loose. We'll see if that fixed it in the morning.