Ford 7.3 Power stroke diesel ???

[FED 387]

Got a 2000 Ford 7.3 PowerStroke Diesel---- Got a bad glow plug or 2--- getting hard to start and smokes WHITE when cold is there a sure fire way to check and see exactly which glow plug is bad WITHOUT having to pull the valve covers??? If i'm going to go thru all that work I will replace every glow plug if I end up pulling the covers--- thanx ahead of time FED 387

[Jeff Stout]

Pulling and replacing all, along with wiring that goes through valve cover is the best way. After changing 1 or 2 twice it was better to do all and be done.

[Mark Callanan]

Are you sure it isn't the glow plug relay?
We have a 1997 and we have to replace the relay every couple of years

[Thomas S]

Originally Posted by Mark Callanan

Are you sure it isn't the glow plug relay?
We have a 1997 and we have to replace the relay every couple of years

Check this guy

https://www.youtube.com/user/DieselTechRon/videos

[Jeff Stout]

That is true it could be relay. Easy to check as its in front of motor in lifter valley. Also if glow plug is bad on 1 side of motor you could just do that side. A little starting fluid will work. Its not recommended but will get you out of trouble instead killing batteries trying to start.

[FED 387]

Should have stated its a 2000 Turbo diesel ---already replaced the relay -helped when it was cooler out now that its cold won;t start without a small shot of ether -- runs smooth when it warms up -- starts well after it has been run and is warm and then restarted----replaced wiring harness UNDER the valve covers last year----there has to be an easy way to test the glow plugs WITHOUT going thru the hassle of dismantling the engine to do it---can you test thru the harness on top of the v cover and so what readings am I looking for that could narrow it down to maybe just one--- it I pull the v Covers to check it I am going to replace EVERY glow plug at that time not worth the time and effort to do just one plug---please keep those suggestions coming---FED 387