What Makes My 1993 Ford F250 Diesel Take So Many Cranks to Start?

Vehicle: 1993 Ford F250 XLT - 7.3L International V8 Diesel.



When starting my truck when it's cold, it takes quite a few cranks to start up.

When it's warm, it starts right away.

What would be the cause of it taking so many cold turns to start up?

What would be the fix?



Thanks!!What Makes My 1993 Ford F250 Diesel Take So Many Cranks to Start?This really sounds like glowplugs. Are you holding the key "on" until the glowplug icon goes out on the dash? If so, and the problem still exists, I would either replace the glow plugs, or have them tested by a dealer.



Secondly, how cold are you talking about. It's been a cold winter, so if you are talking about zero or below, something like that, it IS going to crank a few more times. On a diesel, the oil is usually higher viscosity, and there is more of it. Also, the low temperatures affect the fuel as well.



You should investigate a quality synthetic oil, which will not be as hard to turn in the winter, and perhaps some cetane boost for the fuel.



Here is a link to those products.

http://www.oilshoponline.com/amsoilsynth鈥?/a>What Makes My 1993 Ford F250 Diesel Take So Many Cranks to Start?
Glow plug test needed hereWhat Makes My 1993 Ford F250 Diesel Take So Many Cranks to Start?Diesels work on Compression and Heat, their is no Spark Plug that ignites the fuel. If it is cold outside, the block is colder and takes a bit longer for the glow plugs to get it to the heat needed to ignite the diesel fuel.



If it is only recently doing this, check out the Glow Plugs and the wires connected to them. The truck is 17 years old and their probably either the originals or still quite a few years old. That motor will last forever, you are lucky to have the tried and true 7.3.



Good Luck.What Makes My 1993 Ford F250 Diesel Take So Many Cranks to Start?
my lot has a 92 450 with a 7.3....anytime it gets remotely sluggish starting i pull each glow plug and test with a booster box to make sure they all get glowing red within secs.



if you got one bad you will notice a small difference but if you got 2 bad then it definitely noticeableWhat Makes My 1993 Ford F250 Diesel Take So Many Cranks to Start?It's a Ford (duh).What Makes My 1993 Ford F250 Diesel Take So Many Cranks to Start?
You got to let the Glow plug heat up first. The second thing is that diesel fuel is actually an oil, so it gets thicker when cold. You could always use winter treatment in the fuel to keep it from jelling and clogging the fuel filters. It will also keep your injectors clean. A block heater will also make it easier to start.