7.3L IDIT no start

I purchased a 1994 Regular cab F350 5 speed 4X4 a few years back as a future project. It ran fine when parked but smoked when first started for about 5 minutes of idling. Now several years later it doesn't start. I tried starting fluid and it runs until the ether runs out. I heard ether is not good for diesels but didn't know it at the time. This is my first diesel so am asking for knowledge on what would be the first place to look at on why it will not start. The glow plug light will time itself out normally.

It sounds to me like air intrusion/ bad fuel. To check for air intrusion you have to hold open the Schrader valve on the fuel filter while cranking the engine over. While the engine is cranking, a flow of diesel should come out of the Schrader valve, if no diesel comes out, or it sputters and blows air out, than there is air in the fuel system that must be purged out in order to start the engine. The best way to purge the system is to crank the engine till only fuel comes out the Schrader, that is if you truck has the stock mechanical lift pump. If it has an aftermarket electrical lift pump then you simply have to hold the Schrader open till fuel comes out.
If it was me personally, I would take the fuel filter off and make sure it’s cleanish and fill it with fresh fuel before attempting to purge the system. I’m sure other members will give their input as well. These diesels only need compression, heat( glow plugs) and fuel to run

Thanks for responding Dane. I will follow what you have said and try it.

No problem I hope that you’re able to get it working. Also I hope that some other members give their input on this, my knowledge is pretty limited comparatively