Been using ether, replace GP's?

[p575]

Here's another newbie question. I've been using a shot of ether to start the truck pretty much since I got it a few years back (its not a daily driver, probably got less than 100 cold starts on it). I always used a very short spray and that was sufficient to get it going. I'm replacing return lines this week, should I go ahead and replace glow plugs while im in there, or is it likely that I have caused damage to the engine to the point that it won't start without ether.
The truck still runs great, has about 267,000 miles on it. Once its been started for the day, it'll fire right up even a few hours later.

edit-can't get my signature to show up, 94 F-350, 7.3 IDI

 

[Compu Doc]

Is it a 6.9 or 7.3?. If it is a 7.3 is the wait to start light coming on and going out quickly?. Is it making a rapid click system when you had the key on when the wait to start light is on?

When you used ether did you wait a few minutes with the ignition on before using the ether?

It probably would not hurt to change the GP's but only use Motorcraft plugs. Be very careful removing the old plugs. If while your taking them out and they seem to be giving resistance coming out use some PB blaster on the exposed threads and screw the plug back in. Keep doing that until you get no resistance. A lot of carbon can be built up on the plugs and the PB blaster will eat the carbon off. Just don't give it one shot of the PB Blaster, it may take several times of unscrewing and screwing to not feel resistance. Each time more threads should be exposed.

 

[p575]

Is it a 6.9 or 7.3?. If it is a 7.3 is the wait to start light coming on and going out quickly?. Is it making a rapid click system when you had the key on when the wait to start light is on?

When you used ether did you wait a few minutes with the ignition on before using the ether?

I never waited, I'd turn the key on, pop the hood, and hit it. Now I know that was the wrong thing to do, live and learn.

Pretty sure its not doing the rapid clicks, just one click after 10 or so seconds when it turns the WTS light off. Does that mean I have a bad controller? If the controller is bad, does wiring a manual switch into it fix it, or will the controller have to be replaced?

 

[Compu Doc]

Well you could check the glow plugs using a test light. Take the wire end of the test light and connect it to the positive battery terminal. Use the probe end and touch the tip of the glow plug after you take the wire off the glow plug. If the test light lights up then the plug is good. Check all 8 that way. If you have even just one bad plug you would be better off replacing them all. If all 8 function with the test light then it might be the controller that needs to be replaced.

I would not go with a push button setup. You could burn the plugs out a lot quicker.

 

[OLDBULL8]

If your controller is staying on for 10 seconds, your GP's are prolly OK, you won't get the GPC clicking if you start right away or can't hear it. ETHER, hope you don't have bent rods.

Put your location in your profile, helps to know what part of the country you live in. Alaska is cold, Florida is warm. Makes a difference on how the GP controller operates.