New issue... need advice

Guffey6

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So.. i have a 1988 7.3 idi non turbo. i've been having super hard cold starts the last couple of weeks. while cranking its puffing some serious white smoke almost pure vaporized fuel. I've had the fuel filter light come on intermittently the past couple of drives. While idling it sometimes stutters. ive had the same fuel filter upwards of 6+ months and i installed a facet electric pump over a year ago. inside the facet pump theres a very small amount of trash in the bottom. No leaks around my return lines. im stumped, what am i over looking? im afraid my pump is on borrowed time. is there a secondary filter inside the IP? Thanks in advance.

ps. I drained my filter and it was pretty clean for the most part, but had almost a brownish/orange tint.

Pss. this may be a separate issue but it will not and has never started under 60* with only one cycle of the glow plugs. it always takes 3 cycles. (turning the key on until wait to start light goes off 3 times) before actuating the starter. and she normally fires right up.
 

franklin2

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White smoke on a cold start up is unburnt fuel like you said. The engine is not burning the fuel, it's probably not generating enough heat to fire. Are you sure all your glowplugs are working? Is your controller/glowplug light short cycling?
 

DrCharles

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I agree... you have some bad glow plugs. It should not take more than one cycle at least down to freezing. That cycle should be 8-10 seconds at least. More like 15 sec at freezing.

The unburnt fuel is coming from the cylinders without functioning glow plugs. Get a set of Motorcraft/Beru (ONLY) and make sure the controller is cycling properly.

Also check your fuel pressure at the Schrader valve (and see if any air bubbles come out of it while the Facet pump is running).
 

Guffey6

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well i replaced my GPs a year ago with Motorcraft. but the ralay has always been in question. i never get a click,click,click after the wait to start light goes out, i get nothing at all until i cycle it 3+ times then i get a Click......Click.....Click.....Click at least a 3 sec interval , and it usually fires up.
 

DrCharles

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OK. Then your controller/relay is suspect. Verify that the GP's are actually getting voltage during the WTS time.

You did say that this problem just started a couple of weeks ago. Still could be at least one burnt-out GP...
 

Guffey6

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Also check your fuel pressure at the Schrader valve (and see if any air bubbles come out of it while the Facet pump is running).
I haven't checked my fuel pressure but i will tomorrow. i have before and if i remember right its like 7ish psi? i could be wrong.
 

Guffey6

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You did say that this problem just started a couple of weeks ago.
thats right. its been running like a top up until recently. I guess seeing the fuel filter light come on made me not question my GPs as much as a fuel issue. i will look into them more tomorrow.
 

icanfixall

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White smoke means we have a new pope.... Actually white smoke is a clear sign you have glowplug issues. As already posted start checking the plug condition and the power to them. A special note about the solenoid. PLEASE... Do not purchase a cheap import solenoid. they sure look the same but internally they are built cheaply and will not last. These glowplug solenoids are a special heavy duty item.
 

franklin2

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When you go through your starting routine, look at your volt gauge in the dash. When you cycle the glowplugs and they are pulling juice, the gauge should go down to around 8 volts. If it doesn't, you are not glowing your plugs. After you mess with it 3 times and it starts clicking, then if the gauge drops to around 8v, then you are finally glowing the plugs.
 

MtnHaul

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A bit off topic but is there a preferred and domestically produced glow plug solenoid?
 

Guffey6

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Alright guys, the new relay came in today. The glow plugs actually work.. seriously. I bought the truck in 2013 and have been chasing hard start issues this entire time. I guess the old relay finally wore enough to where it wasnt making ANY connection anymore. Thanks again for all your help!!
 

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