Ford PSD Starting Hard Intermittently

[Tim B from MA]

My 2001 7.3L Powerstroke has been intermittently taking a long time to start – that is turning over for half a minute or more before starting. This morning, after sitting for 4 days while I was on a trip, she won’t start at all.

When it is having a hard time starting, I can hear a rattling noise that sounds like it may be a solenoid that is not fully engaging. Also, the fuel pump sounds a bit off when I am waiting for the glow plugs to warm up and the pump is building pressure. If I wait long enough, the pump will reach pressure and shut off.

Some history: A few weeks ago the engine was cutting out while driving down the road, but it was starting fine, including starting right up after one of these episodes.

I changed the Cam Position Sensor, which fixed the cutting out problem. When I did that, I disconnected the batteries. The first time I started it after that, it started hard, and has been off and on ever since.

Any ideas appreciated.

Tim

 

[Allan in NE]

Batteries.

Allan

 

[JT]

On my 2000, I had a the glow plug solenoid that was giving me fits trying to start it. But the glow plug light was also not staying on as long as it should have either. I also had an issue with the fuel filter assembly with a sensor that would not let it start either, cannot remember what it was exactly, been 2-3 years ago. Luckily it was under warranty still, other wise with labor would have been 800.00 to fix. Have you changed the fuel filter lately?

 

[keh]

Relative replaced the starter to cure a similar problem.

KEH

 

[Bob]

Those glow plug solenoids are NOTORIOUS for failure. There have been some updated part #'s there.

The the glow plugs ARE working, if the high pressure OIL pump isn't getting the HEUI system oil up to operating pressure quickly so the electric over hydraulic injectors will work, there will be delayed starting.

I haven't done too much with these, but I know there's some valves and a sensor etc., involved with the high pressure oil pump that can cause trouble, along with the pump itself.

 

[Allan in NE]

Yepper, hear that.

At this time of year and at these temps, that thing ought to snort right out of the gate without even using the glow plugs.

Just don't think he's spinnin' fast enough.

Allan

 

[Anonymous-0]

I changed the fuel filter a few months ago.

Based on what you and Bob said, I think the glow plug solenoid is a good bet. The solenoid rattle sounds like it is comming from the middle of the dash board. When I get home, I'll look at my shop manual to see if that is where that solenoid is, and if so, I'll try changing it.

 

[Tim B from MA]

Hi Allan,

The starter is only about 1 yr old, and the batteries are fine, and it sure seems to be turning fast enough.

The problem is more apt to happen in the morning when it is cold, so a problem with the glow plug or glow plug solenoid seems a good bet.

 

[JT]

Tim,
The solenoid is right under the cover over the fuel filter in the middle of the engine. If memeory serves me right, there are two solenoids under there. One is glow plug solenoid and the other I am clueless.
Jim

 

[ben brown]

when al aid and done replace the batterys. mine did it about year age batters seemed to be ok but one was weak. two new batterys solved problem

 

[tiresntracks]

I think its probably the glow plugs or the relay, but I'm sure not an expert. Ask your question on this BB or just search the old posts and you will probably find the answer.
Powerstroke BB

 

[John M]

Its the batteries going bad. that clicking your hearing is relays under the dash for the comp., pcm and such. While it may be turning over fine, the batteries arent strong enough to turn it over and fire it up at thesame time.When you say the batteries are fine, have you had them checked seperatley or were they still attached? Cheap check, plug it up overnite and see what it does, if it starts right up, then the GP relay is bad, if not, its the batteries. My bet is going to be the batteries.

 

[John M]

Forgot to say below, the fuel pump sounds off because there is the proper amount of amps, or volts or wahtever going to it. The GP relay is pulling them down so much the pump isnt getting the volts its need. (If you can hear the pump, get ready for a new one, just spent a small foprtune on mine, I know)