Lesson Relearned

[dusty]

You are never too old to learn and/or relearn old lessons.

I drive a 1993 Diesel F250. That truck has been a "work horse" ever since I bought it new. Other than routine maintenance, it has cost me very little to keep it running. However, here lately it has been very difficult to start, especially in the early morning when the temperatures are down.

It is not cold here yet but definitely cooler than it has been recently. Last night I decided to plug in the block heater - just a test run. This morning it kicked over as soon as I hit the ignition switch. Guess I better start plugging the old trucks block heater in at night just to keep it comfortable in the night time chill.

[garys]

I would think that just the glow plugs should handle the moderate temps we have this time of year. Plugging in is for when temps drop 20 or so degrees beyond the minus side of the thermometer.

[thunderbirdbat]

Are the glow plugs working? At almost 25 years old, it may be time to replace them.

[dusty]

Are the glow plugs working? At almost 25 years old, it may be time to replace them.

Glow plugs, do glow plugs go bad?

Actually I know they do because this truck, in either 1993 or 1994 had two glow plugs replaced. While still under warranty I had engine trouble. We were tolling a travel over the pass on a trip from Kalispell, Montana to Spokane, Wa. The problem turned out to be two glow plugs. Later on that same trip heading for Omaha, Ne I developed transmission problems. Again, under warranty, the truck was equipped with a new transmission.

Since then, no major repairs.

We put a lot of miles on that truck back then and like I said, it has been a faithful work horse ever since.

NOW, because we have been discussing it I will probably find out that I need ALL NEW GLOW PLUGS.

[benush26]

Hmmmm?! About 15 years back I recall helping a friend with his pickup, more for moral support than anything else since I’d not worked on a diesel. Turned out that the O rings on the injectors were the culprit. He had a similar experience where plugging in the block heater (his wife’s idea) helped. After talking to a local mechanic who brought some test gear, it turns out that the block heater caused the old O rings to swell so they sealed better and let the engine turn over to start.
I have no clue the work to replace glow plugs, but replacement of the injector O rings was relatively simple, just time consuming. Once the new rings were in he didn’t need the block heater until below freezing.
Just a thought.

Be well,
Ben

[dusty]

Hmmmm?! About 15 years back I recall helping a friend with his pickup, more for moral support than anything else since I’d not worked on a diesel. Turned out that the O rings on the injectors were the culprit. He had a similar experience where plugging in the block heater (his wife’s idea) helped. After talking to a local mechanic who brought some test gear, it turns out that the block heater caused the old O rings to swell so they sealed better and let the engine turn over to start.
I have no clue the work to replace glow plugs, but replacement of the injector O rings was relatively simple, just time consuming. Once the new rings were in he didn’t need the block heater until below freezing.
Just a thought.

Be well,
Ben

If it comes to that, I will use the block heater until it doesn't do the trick anymore. My engine compartment is packed like a heavy suitcase. Changing injectors and o-rings necessitate a virtual tear down. I don't use the truck as much as I used to - mostly when I need to haul lumber and sheet goods.

[Ed in Tampa]

Hmmmm?! About 15 years back I recall helping a friend with his pickup, more for moral support than anything else since I’d not worked on a diesel. Turned out that the O rings on the injectors were the culprit. He had a similar experience where plugging in the block heater (his wife’s idea) helped. After talking to a local mechanic who brought some test gear, it turns out that the block heater caused the old O rings to swell so they sealed better and let the engine turn over to start.
I have no clue the work to replace glow plugs, but replacement of the injector O rings was relatively simple, just time consuming. Once the new rings were in he didn’t need the block heater until below freezing.
Just a thought.

Be well,
Ben

If it comes to that, I will use the block heater until it doesn't do the trick anymore. My engine compartment is packed like a heavy suitcase. Changing injectors and o-rings necessitate a virtual tear down. I don't use the truck as much as I used to - mostly when I need to haul lumber and sheet goods.

Dusty I listened to my insurance and sold my truck.
It was my Home Depot truck and since I used it so little I had it on low mileage insurance., which required me to give my odometer reading every 6 months. The last time it read 15 miles and the time before that it read 50. My insurance agent started laughing and said why don't you sell it. I told him I needed it to run to Home Depot. He said Ed you are paying nearly $300 every 6 months for insurance. You can rent a Home Depot truck for $20. I listened! Total mileage on my 1990 truck was 119,000 with most of the mileage put on in first 10 years 109,000. That means in the last 17 years I drove it about 10,000 miles almost all local to Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Sold it. I am happy the guy that bought is happy but he is getting tired of replacing seals, gaskets, and etc. I had just replaced the water pump and all hoses and belts.

It was a 1990 Dodge Dakota Sport with wheel flares. Told there were only a very few made with wheel fares.

Bonus my two car garage is now a one car garage with room for tools! Yeah baby! And truck money in my pocket!

[ChrisNeilan]

Ed, two things wrong with that practice... First, you have to unload the truck as soon as you get home, no naps; second, you have to bring the truck back to the Depot, and then you remember what else you need and may need the truck again!

[masonsailor2]

I have been struggling with the urge to buy another truck but HD makes it so easy and inexpensive. Ours here in LV has a large van and a truck which is even nicer. I must admit it is definitely not as handy as having a truck again but it sure is the next best thing. The one here in LV will hold the vehicle for 30 min while I get there which is nice. The one in Ca would not do that so a couple of times I got there and it was already rented out.
Paul

[dusty]

I no longer use the truck on a daily basis but I still put more than a few miles on it every week and many of my trips with the truck do not involve Home Depot, Lowes or U-Haul.

Yes, I spend a goodly amount of money for vehicle insurance ($199.32/month) but that include three vehicles and the RV. I don't know (I didn't take the time to check) how much of that would be eliminated if a sold the truck but it would not be enough to offset the inconvenience of "no truck".

Ed, I use my truck more than you did just to carry yard and garden waste to the dump. Besides, that old work horse and I are close friends.