7.3 idi hard to start unless use starting fluid or block heater

[franklin2]

One of those large terminals on the relay should have voltage at all times. It's hooked directly to the battery via two yellow wires originally. Sometimes people redo this.

The two yellow wires run across the valve cover and hit that suspect connector if it's still original. Check that connector. The two yellow wires continue over to the relay mounted on the fender for the starter. This is where you will run into two fusible links, and then they are bolted to the large terminal on the starter relay that goes to the battery +. This is where they are picking up the constant battery power.

 

[ihc1470]

The one you have circled should go to the glow plugs. The other large one should have battery voltage at all times. If the terminals are loose you probably have a bad relay. If you do not have battery voltage on the upper big terminal in your picture follow the wires until you find a connector which is probably bad and on until you find the fuseable links and check those and make sure they are not open.Glow plug testing Hope the pictures and link helps you out a little.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I’ve seen on another thread that the terminal i’ve circled in the picture below is supposed to have similar voltage with the battery when i make the relay click, so what does it mean when it doesnt have any

Not bad mouthing you here, but is it possible that your volt meter didn't have a good enough connection to the ground or to the positive solenoid posts? I have had times where I had to try pretty hard to get good connections.

 

[UslAura1]

Alright i’ll look at these and search for any problem in the wires and connectors and keep you updated, and yes the glow plug terminal is a little loose in the relay altough it’s tightened enough, and i’ll try again with my volt meter tomorrow in case it saves me to struggle with the wiring

 

[UslAura1]

So i went outside and tried again with the voltmeter and you were right, i got 12.60 volts on the upper terminal and none on the lower one that has the wiggle, plus the terminal have a darker color like it got hot or something, so i suspect the relay is dead?

 

[IDIBRONCO]

so i suspect the relay is dead?

That would be my guess too. Something happened, that terminal got too hot, and then it probably melted something internally so that's why it's loose.

 

[UslAura1]

I’ll call in a new one then, looking at the other wires they don’t look too bad, any idea on what relay is better or napa is good?

 

[franklin2]

I’ll call in a new one then, looking at the other wires they don’t look too bad, any idea on what relay is better or napa is good?

Buy the expensive one if they have a choice. They skimp on the material now on the contacts, and some brands do not tend to last very long. Also be careful tightening the large connections. You want them tight, but too tight and you could break what holds the stud and then it will give you problems again.

And make sure you disconnect both batteries. It would be very easy for your wrench to bump against something and blow those fusible links.

 

[UslAura1]

Already, should have it when i come back from work, i Will keep y’all updated thanks a lot

 

[UslAura1]

well i found a problem that’s for sure, now it starts a lot better, glow plugs are working like hell, i just don’t know what could’ve happened to the relay for it to melt?

 

[Nero]

Uninsulated connectors get corroded as time goes by, and creates heat. Probably just time being cruel.

 

[ihc1470]

Loose or corroded connections cause heat which in turn causes melting. When you are pulling 200a does not take long for things to happen.

A cheep and good way to test battery cables etc is put a load on them for a minute or so and than start grabbing ahold or take an IR temp gun and start shooting. If you find a warm to hot connection you have an issue. Headlamps and blower fan makes a fair load.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Here's something I just thought of. If you didn't I think you should disconnect the discolored wire end and clean it up really good so that it will make good contact with the terminal. I mean by using something like a wire brush, sand paper or even steel wool to make it shiny again. That will help it to make a better contact.

 

[UslAura1]

Yeah i brushed the wire ends a little before putting it all together