Cold starting tips

Okay so I just purchased a 1993 non turbo 7.3 IDI.

It's starting to get cold and it has the original glow plugs which I am going to see if I can get through the winter with and then change them in the spring.

I am planning to bypass the controller and run a push button to the cab for the plugs.

Since i will be using the block heater and having the truck plugged in anyway I got to thinking about a booster or something I could use to boost or bypass the batteries for the cold start in the morning. Does such a 120v system exist?

Thanks!


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Make sure you replace them with Beru/Ford only, other brands can/will break and leave you pulling heads.

Are you saying you want something besides the batteries to deliver all the amperage for starting? I'm sure it exists but with a block heater she'll spin over like in the summer, it's not a lot of strain. Plus if you have good cables and starter, it's not going to strain the batteries.
I know they make high-amp 110v starter/chargers but they cost a lot for what they do and only put out 100A. Our starters draw a lot...I think 200+A.
You can also use a 5w-40 synthetic oil to help greatly in the cold. Won't hurt a thing besides the ol' pocket book.

I run a push-button myself and it's great. With Beru plugs you can hold that thing down for 20 seconds when it's in the teens or below. Works well. If your controller is short-cycling you can double-cycle it as a bandaid until you get new plugs. If it does then you have one or more plugs burnt out.

Yeah I was thinking something like a permanent plug in 120vAC to 12vDC converter for cold starting in the morning. Just seemed like it's something that would exist in my mind. I figure if I've already got a cord running to it why not!

Yeah I am planning to replace them with the motorcraft. Is most the swelling and stuff that people talk about from aftermarket plugs or do you think I could run in to that on these stock plugs with 202k miles?


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I hear you and it makes sense. I personally don't know of anything ready-made but I've never looked either.

It's not a concern with OE plugs. Age just makes them burn out, they are not prone to swell. I'm sure someone has a bad story somewhere but that would be a manufacturing defect rather than being from age.

The_Josh_Bear said:

I hear you and it makes sense. I personally don't know of anything ready-made but I've never looked either.

It's not a concern with OE plugs. Age just makes them burn out, they are not prone to swell. I'm sure someone has a bad story somewhere but that would be a manufacturing defect rather than being from age.

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That makes me feel much better! I started it the other day in the lower 40's and cycled the plugs 3x and it fired up.

I need to get it switched to a dash switch. I only need two lengths of wire and a spring loaded switch correct?


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Phoenix Contact or Automation direct make converters from 120 to 12vdc. Check them out. You would have to wire your cords and maybe get a little box for it or mount in the cab/engine bay, but not a terrible idea.

Scotty4 said:

Phoenix Contact or Automation direct make converters from 120 to 12vdc. Check them out. You would have to wire your cords and maybe get a little box for it or mount in the cab/engine bay, but not a terrible idea.

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Yeah I thought it was a pretty good idea and then when I checked YouTube I couldn't believe I didn't see any videos of anyone doing it.

I think it's a great idea for the first start of the morning while at home and plugged into the block heater anyway.


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themechanicalford said:

Yeah I thought it was a pretty good idea and then when I checked YouTube I couldn't believe I didn't see any videos of anyone doing it.

I think it's a great idea for the first start of the morning while at home and plugged into the block heater anyway.


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True. Also may be good for anyone with a generator on their vehicle: ie service truck, rv, apocalypse prepper.

Scotty4 said:

True. Also may be good for anyone with a generator on their vehicle: ie service truck, rv, apocalypse prepper.

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I thought that as well! I was thinking for extreme duty use a small gas generator is a breeze to start in cold weather.


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