I tried starting my truck tonight, would not start without 2 attempts with glow plug plus the block heater on.This was the sequence first, attempted to start by just starting turn key give gas.second attempt,hit glow plugs try,third attempt glow plugs+heater starts right away.I am thinking that I have a glow plug problem.I had it looked at about 2 months ago they told me the plugs were working fine.It has been 50-60 deg.Is this a normal situation,I would think you would be able to get right in the truck and fire it right up.Any ideas about this problem/or no problem.DAVE

did u let the glow plugs heat up? or did u just hit the key? i know if i let my truck sit for 2 or more days its a bear to start even with the glow plugs but i let them cycle and she starts right up

x2

Always let your glow plugs cycle before trying to start. If you are still having troubles then check the plugs for continuity. You say they were 'checked' 2 months ago - but how? Did they check each plug individually or just assume that all were OK because the warning light came on for 8 seconds then went out?

Thanks for thoughts I do not know if they were checked individually or not.I will look into this more for continuity issue as well.I want to work out all bugs since it is a plow truck.Another issue I have is a need a transmission cooler placed on truck too.I believe this is a requrment with plow truck dave

Thanks for thoughts I do not know if they were checked individually or not.I will look into this more for continuity issue as well.I want to work out all bugs since it is a plow truck.Another issue I have is a need a transmission cooler placed on truck too.I believe this is a requrment with plow truck dave

If you've got a TH400 trans, the cooler isn't something I'd call a "requirement." Can't hurt, though. I've got several 6.2 plow trucks with TH400s. With my 83, I've been plowing snow for 20 years it's never had an aftermarket cooler and never had a transmision problem. I think the cooler line in the radiator is all it needs in winter weather. It also acts to warm up the trans when first using in the cold.
Ambient temps are usually 0-35F when snow needs plowing and heat has never been an issue for me. Is a cooler nice to have as insurance? Yes. Also, if I was plowing with a more fragile trans., e.g. a TH350 or a 700R4, I might be more worried, though.

My 94 Ford F250 diesel plow truck with the E40D has a huge open-air cooler on it - but it automatically shuts itself off in cold weather with a thermostatic flow diverter.

In regard to your glow plugs, it depends on what plugs you have . The older plugs actually made by Delco heat up well in 9-10 seconds (also burn out easy). The new AC60GS that Beru makes and are sold in Delco boxes, take longer to make the same heat. Sometimes 14-15 seconds. To get the right time intervals, the controller sometimes needs to be reprogramed - unless you've got a manual over-ride button installed.