hard start on cold mornings (glow plugs work fine)

[tpolley]

since its been getting cold i'm having a hard time starting my 93 7.3idi in the morning. i have to stand on the accelerator and turn the key for about 5 or 6 seconds then it will fire and kinda chug for a second then it will clear up and run fine. when i leave work after the trucks been sitting for 9 hours it starts up fine. it's only been doing it since its been cold. i noticed in early september when it was just "chilly" in the morning the truck would start fine but it would idle like crap for 5 or so seconds then clear up.

it's started fine all summer all i would have to do is bump the key and the thing would fire right up.

all 8 glow plugs were replaced with motorcraft in april along with the glow plug controller. i asume the relay is a 5 or 6 years old. if i turn the key on and let the glow plugs cycle, turn key off and cycle the glow plugs again it makes no difference except that the glow plugs only come on for 3 or 4 seconds the second time.

thanks in advance.

 

[ameristar1]

This is normal for an IDI style diesel. Gotta remember, she's 16 years old and does not have electronics so she's going to be a little fussy during that first cold start. If the symptoms you were describing were lasting longer than what you said, then I would look into checking the injectors and pump, and possibly running a compression check. But all diesels, especially the old school mechanical units are smoky, rattly and temperamental after being in the cold for a long time, until the prechambers/combustion chambers get some heat in them.
To help with that, be sure to run a really good fuel treatment like Howes Lubricator. It'll help the engine light off easier, improve the cold flow charateristics and cut the smoke.