Starting Problem. Glow Plugs? or something else

[7.3 Sloth]

1998 f350 7.3 idi non turbo. When i go to work on my truck for the first time each day when it hasnt been run. the only way i can get it to start the FIRST time is with the tiniest pinch of starter fluid. I KNOW its bad for the glow plugs and more but any ideas as to what it could be causing it to not fire? When its warm it fires right up every crank no questions asked. But that first one cant do it. Batteries are newer and cranking speed it pretty fast. Id entertain any answer at this point haha.

 

[3Kp]

I had the same problem the first start of the day was a real pain. But after that it started with out issues for rest of the day. I had a return fuel line leaking. I replaced the return lines and O-rings. (Also did new injectors, glow plugs and glow plug controller) My want to test your glow plugs to see how many are good.. I only had 3 working when I had my issues.

Not sure if your having this problem with your other issue. But have you noticed a strong odor of diesel fuel in the cab or on your clothes? Since I changed return lines and O-rings that went away..

 

[C_Luft]

Check your wiring to the glow plugs(mine were broken at the bullet connector), when I first picked up my truck it would take about 30 sec of cranking to fire up after a quick rewire with some cheap crimp bullet connectors from autozone, my truck started up nearly as fast as my wife's new car.

 

[7.3 Sloth]

Yeah I have plans to go through the fuel system anyway. Glow plugs. Return line kit etc. I do notice the smell in cab and under hood just seemed normal to me hahah. I notice white smoke coming from behind air cleaner somewhere while its running too.

 

[chris142]

its been my experience that a air leak will let it start then die and bad glow plugs will make you crank until the bateries go dead