not cold enough for this

[metzer.hr]

My truck wont start unless I plug it in. It is not cold enough for thisto happen. I have started my 2004 6.0 in very cold weather before. 35 deg. out this morning, I tried several times, until I plugged her for 30 min. she did not wont to start. My glow plug light goes out before I try to start her.Does plugging her in help with the glow plugs? I thought it just heated the oil.

 

[DaveBen]

You probably need a few glow plugs. Plugging in the truck gets it warmer by heating the water and making it easier to start.

Dave

 

[bushpilot]

does it start ? are your crank times "LONG" ? has your amount of crank
time been increasing lately ?

could be ICP or HPOP related.

 

[F350DRW1]

Yep, what Bushpilot said..I just went through it. Save yourself the tow bill and bring it to a dealer.

 

[bushpilot]

and to answer the question...

the block heater really does nothing more than HEAT THE BLOCK...
the block heater element actually sits in a water/coolant passage

diesel fuel ignites best in a WARM envirionment...be that artifical
heating of the cylindar/air/fuel (via the glow plug) or warming the
engine block (which for all intensive purposes also heats the
cylinder)

the oil is heated as a result of the block being heated.

some 6.0L trucks (03 & 04 for certain) also have a heater
in the HFCM (the H is for HORIZONTAL, not HEAT)...

the HFCM "heater" is only activated by the key on/truck running...

that is to say its not part of the block heater

Page 29: Fuel Supply System

the heated versions are identified by the BROWN plug on
the HFCM...its my understanding that not all years got heated
versions of the HFCM.

 

[powerstrokeguy]

the last i heard the plug warms the glow plugs. i worked for a ford dealer for two years, and thats what the diesel techs said.

 

[F350DRW1]

Nope. Plug heats up water-A/F mixture and keeps the motor "Warm"...not really warm but warm enough to allow an easier start.

 

[ifd]

sounds like plugs or relay to plugs

 

[metzer.hr]

I brought my f-350 to the dealer and they checked the glow plugs and relay. They said the intake tube to my turbo leakes as the truck cools down, but they went on to add that the diesel mech. had quit and I would have to wait 2 weeks so they can get there mech. from another dealership to look at it.I left the dealer to start my truck and right in the lot she wouldnt start, the engine was still warm to the touch from them running the engine all day. I plugged her in and in 5 min. she stated right up. My local ford dealer has only 1bay garage and is backed up for weeks!!!!!!!!this really sucks!!!!!!!!!

 

[bushpilot]

how cold was it & how long had the truck sat ?

the dealer is giving you a line of crap about the intercooler tubes...
you cant diagnose this stuff from the curb...you need a code reader
at a minimum.

id be looking for another dealer...if they cant keep a tech theres no
reason to let 'em string you out.

being plugged in for 5min. is NOTHING when these trucks are "cool"...
much less COLD.

how long are you having to CRANK once you do get it started ???