I have a 7.3 L Diesl and i am having problems trying to get it started. If there is anyone out there who might know please let me know. The engine cranks fine. I am know at diesls. I know that for a gas engine you need fuel, air, spark and compression. For a diesl i dont know. So if some one can be of help please e-mail me giving me some ideas. ANother question do diesls have an electric fuel pump or mechnical.

 

General things to look at:
diesels are harder to start when it is colder
did you get diesel at a different place than usual ( bad fuel)
check fuel filter
check air filter
service the injectors every 12k - 15k
diesel gels up in extreme cold
check battery - as it gets colder batteries loose power
check the simple things first then move to the diagnostics.

 

I'll make it simple< check the glow plugs!

 

read Dragan's post. It was put in the wrong spot. My mistake.

 

You didnt say what year -- but yea do your basic's you wouldnt belive the # of service calls I went an the Customer was outta FUEL !!!, even if its 80 degress out those glow plugs have to work, an the controller has to be working , Yep replace those fuel filters I tell folks to keep one in the truck with them,, you get some bad fuel an they will plug up in a few short miles ,,, also at every oil change get you some fuel conditier an dump it in the tank,, Diesel fuel will get this Black Alge that builds up in it. It will foul up everything. Most folks dont know that Alge will grow in fuel !!!!. An then of course the weak spot in these girls is that cam senser, Should be a warranty Item if truck is farily new. An if you wanta keep that Motor going strong CHANGE THE OIL OFTEN !!!

 

Your diesel has a 5 year / 100,000 warranty that will cover such things that might cause it to be hard to start like glow plugs or leaks in the high pressure oil system that it uses on the injectors.