6.9 idi dump truck…

rockcity

rockcity

everyday is a chance to get better
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Location
Greenville, NC
Looking at an older truck but it doesn’t want to start cold. A quick squirt of starter fluid and it’s good.

I’m thinking possible glow plug relay as the most likely culprit. But, anyone knowledgeable with the 6.9 that may could provide any other thoughts? If it’s something simple and affordable, I can handle that. But if this is a sign of a potential/common catastrophic failure of something else, it would be helpful to know.

Thanks all
Rob
 
When are you giving it a "little bump" of either? If the your doing it prior to flipping key, then yea something in the glow plug equation isn't working.
 
Junkyard Dog said:
When are you giving it a "little bump" of either? If the your doing it prior to flipping key, then yea something in the glow plug equation isn't working.
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This is from the seller. They said when it’s cold it takes some either to get it started but once warmed up, it starts just fine.

So, I’m making an assumption as to the issue before driving 2 hours to be disappointed. Was thinking maybe a weak pump as another secondary thought but the ow et said it runs and drives ok so I’m guessing that the pump is likely not the case.
 
I love the idi motors.
How many miles on it?
It could be as simple as he has adavacing the timing (makes power) but its harder to start. (trade off)
also
the starter colud be going out. (remember 30 year old)
 
Dad had an 86 F350 6.9 IDI. It did not start well. Replaced the glow plugs (and maybe harness?) and it was better, but still not happy about it. Regardless of any of that, if you've ever driven any type of V8 or turbodiesel (and I know you have), you will be
rockcity said:
driving 2 hours to be disappointed.
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As mentioned harness and or relay take a test light and check all the glow plugs. Fusible links before relay also fail. worked on these for years.
 
E9C2E8EE-E408-43DF-A1A6-446CF61332C6.jpeg


Whelp, it followed me home. Farm dump truck. :)
 
As with the other flavor of IDI (7.3L), swapping the GPs/GP relay are simple affairs... until the tips break off (from being cooked, warped & resembling a corkscrew) and then it becomes a total PITA
 
My buddy's 6.9L was having trouble starting and it was the fuel pump I believe. If you didn't get it started on the first shot, you just matted the pedal down and cranked that bitch till it fired up. :lol:
 
Super common with the idi. I've known some that even after new glow plugs were cranky when cold.

Make sure your cables, connections, batteries and starter are clean and giver her hell. It will be fine.
 
Need to rename this thread... F350 farm truck or something like that... Looks like a cool truck.
 
@Lurch830 I'm not saying there's a dump bed dually contest or anything, but that's how it seems :D
 
Tried starting it cold this morning. Nothing. A quick squirt of ether and she fired right up! Glow plugs and harness ordered. I already have a few relays and push buttons, so going to get the glow plugs switched over to manual.

Window sweeps ordered. Door handles ordered. And found chrome front grill, headlight bezels, and windshield trim to spruce it up. And looking for interior parts…
 
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rockcity said:
Tried starting it cold this morning. Nothing. A quick squirt of ether and she fired right up! Glow plugs and harness ordered. I already have a few relays and push buttons, so going to get the glow plugs switched over to manual.

Window sweeps ordered. Door handles ordered. And found chrome front grill, headlight bezels, and windshield trim to spruce it up. And looking for interior parts…
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New cosmetic parts for a farm truck, y'all fancy.
 
rockcity said:
Yep. Well, it’s still a representation of my company, so it should still look reasonable. Probably going to paint it to match my brown F350 truck.
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I will never understand the desire for a brown vehicle.
 
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