Starting issue

[JayeL]

I have a starting issue with my IDI was hoping to get some insight. I am new to diesels, so please bear with me.

Lately my van has had a hard time starting. My WTS light is illuminated about 8-10 secs, and I can hear the clicking after it goes out. But it never cranks on the first attempt, it turns over energetically but does not fire - and there is a ton of white smoke from the tailpipe. After I stop (in about 30 sec) and let it cool for 1-2 mins, it will fire on the second attempt with a huge cloud of blue/black smoke. Runs fine thereafter.

Is this a GP issue, or something else?


Thanks!!

 

[F350camper]

Welcome! You'll want to update your signature so folks will know what year you have. The GP systems had some changes over the years.

Once your rig does finally light and you get all the smoke, does it stumble for a while and then smooth out?

 

[Nickbf2504x4]

GP's for sure...test 'em. the white smoke is unburnt fuel...how old are the glow plugs? what brand? replace with motorcraft/beru plugs..

 

[JayeL]

fixed the .sig, thanks for the reminder


No, it runs fine at fast-idle once it fires.....no unusual smoke or anything after that first belch, runs like it always has.

It has ~95k miles on it. I don't know the history of the GPs, but I guess I'll look into it.

Being a van and hearing the horror stories of broken GP tips, I suppose I'll pay a shop to replace them

 

[Agnem]

I suppose I'll pay a shop to replace them

Horror story number 1....

"So you guys told me it was the glow plugs, so I had the local garage change them out. After I picked it up, it was still hard to start, and once it did start, it made this terrible noise....."

 

[DeepRoots]

mine was doing that. Starter wasn't turning fast enough.
I was going to replace the glowplugs/inspect the GP system, but luckily my starter died.
which definatly narrowed down the reasons for hard starting.
After replacing, I was amazed at how much faster it turned.

 

[F350camper]

Hmm, ya I would test them first. When the engine is cold each one should be about 1ohm to ground.