Non Motorcraft 7.3 GP Controllers?

HammerDown · Nov 17, 2018

Last night with Test-Light & Multi-Meter in hand went through all the diagnostic tests steps listed in my Haynes Diesel Manual, and all steps checked-out ok.
And I'm getting a decent GP burn on a dead-cold engine.

However, (and no visible fuel wetness around injectors/return lines etc) at the first morning dead-cold start it's acting like a GP is bad (a little rough-running for a second or two, you know that sign)...air intrusion acts the same as a bad GP or two.

So, thinking about replacing the Controller...any feedback on the GP Controllers offered on eBay/Amazon (made in USA)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/87-94-Ford...h=item35effa2cae:g:Q5sAAOSws2dafh8y:rk:3:pf:0

Cubey · Nov 17, 2018

Does the relay click when you turn the key? It's very loud so you should be able to hear it. If not, try hitting it on top with something plastic or wood, as not to cross the terminals. The relay itself can be replaced without replacing the whole controller, which saves a lot of money.

Cubey · Nov 17, 2018

The relay by itself: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...00756/1987/ford/f-250?q=Glow+Plug+Relay&pos=0

laserjock · Nov 17, 2018

I can’t recommend that controller. Mine went bad after a hand full of starts. Unfortunately I’d had it a year or so in the box so I was screwed. Ended up pulling the one off my spare motor.

nolson · Nov 17, 2018

I have that controller and so far it’s been fine.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Shadetreemechanic · Nov 18, 2018

I have that controller as well. Had issues with the first one they sent, but the second one has been working fine for more than a year.

franklin2 · Nov 18, 2018

The controller's job is to control the glowplug burn time. If you are getting a decent burn, why suspect the controller?

Cubey · Nov 18, 2018

Edit: got posted in the wrong thread somehow

HammerDown · Nov 24, 2018

franklin2 said:
The controller's job is to control the glowplug burn time. If you are getting a decent burn, why suspect the controller?

I was contemplating having a spare and if the aftermarket controllers were decent testing it on the truck.

HammerDown · Nov 24, 2018

Cubey said:
Does the relay click when you turn the key? It's very loud so you should be able to hear it. If not, try hitting it on top with something plastic or wood, as not to cross the terminals. The relay itself can be replaced without replacing the whole controller, which saves a lot of money.

Yes, I hear the "click"...and as mentioned prior every test in the book tested to be OK.

Cubey · Nov 24, 2018

The relay is more likely to quit than the controller. I finally changed mine the other day. It just bolts on the controller in the 7.3 style setup. Super easy. I put my manual push button wire back in place of the controller since I do a lot of short trips. Once warmed up, it doesn't need glow plugs at all. Saves the plugs and reduces strain on the batteries.

chris142 · Nov 24, 2018

Mine has an echlin controller. It was on the truck when I bought it back in 12. Been fine.

IDIBRONCO · Nov 25, 2018

Cubey said:
I put my manual push button wire back in place of the controller since I do a lot of short trips. Once warmed up, it doesn't need glow plugs at all. Saves the plugs and reduces strain on the batteries.

I had a guy tell me one time that if you start your engine, even warm and the controller still cycles the glow plugs, it will put too much heat into the glow plugs and burn them out quicker. I've only heard that once and I have no idea if it's true or not. To me, it's just one more reason to have a manual set up. No, they aren't for everyone, but it's better than the 6.9 style glow plug system that I have in my truck.

Cubey · Nov 25, 2018

IDIBRONCO said:
I had a guy tell me one time that if you start your engine, even warm and the controller still cycles the glow plugs, it will put too much heat into the glow plugs and burn them out quicker. I've only heard that once and I have no idea if it's true or not. To me, it's just one more reason to have a manual set up. No, they aren't for everyone, but it's better than the 6.9 style glow plug system that I have in my truck.

Even at 100 degrees engine temp, according to my electric temp gauge, it fires right up without glow plug assistant. With the controller, it's rare that they don't come on despite it being 160 degrees. 90% of the time, I don't need them. Typically once a day is all. I don't know what the cutoff is but it must be 190+. It has to be a warm day and not shut off long or the controller still wants to run the plugs. What a waste!

Cubey · Nov 25, 2018

I would imagine it's easy to put a 7.3 style system. You just need an ignition switched power source, a ground from your manual button, a power lead to your batteries, and a power lead to your glow plugs. Its a 4 post solenoid and that's the 4 connections. The controller feeds off of power going to the solenoid. One going to the ignition switched power source, and the other being the ground, which you disconnect for a manual switch setup. WTS is the only thing the controller gets separately.

Non Motorcraft 7.3 GP Controllers?

HammerDown

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Cubey

Van dweller

Cubey

Van dweller

laserjock

Almost there...

nolson

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Shadetreemechanic

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franklin2

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Cubey

Van dweller

HammerDown

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HammerDown

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Cubey

Van dweller

chris142

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IDIBRONCO

IDIBRONCO

Cubey

Van dweller

Cubey

Van dweller

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