I have a 2003 7.3 auto thats not firing but is cranking.
this truck was sitting for a year before I bought it.
things I have done so far:
oil change(5W40 rotella t syn)
new starter (ACdelco)
new GPR (napa gpr109) old one was scorched
New batteries
checked glow plug resistance and all plugs were between .9-2.4

The truck was starting ok if it was plugged in but its currently not somewhere I can plug it in. Temperatures lately have been below freezing.
I've been focusing on the glow plug system because of this but lately I've been looking at other possibilities.

When the key is turned the wait to start light comes on and shuts off; the GPR engages and has the proper voltage across the two big terminals.
When the starter engages I see no movement of the tach or on the tach readout of my edge programmer.... would that indicate a shot CPS in this year? My girl just picked one up today from ford so that's my next step.

Question for you folks is what else should I be trying? I've avoided ether so far and will hopefully be getting a scanner to check codes with tonight.

Let me know! cheers
Albert

 

How does the HPOP res look from all the cranking you have been doing? Is it still full?

Try unplugging the ICP sensor and trying to start it.

Having a scanner that can read ICP psi and DC% would really help...

Have you checked the fuel bowl to make sure it has fuel?

 

fuel bowl has fuel; going to change filter in the am
HPOP is nice and full
unplugged ICP but still no start
no codes showing on my OBD scanner but its a cheap model so I cant check much with it.
I ran out of time tonight to replace the CPS but that's my first step tomorrow.
I did manage to trace the extra wire coming off of my CPS harness to my edge attitude programmer. I know they aren't the best way to go but it came with the truck.
Anyhow I'm not seeing any RPMs on the edge programmer or the dash although I understand with later model trucks the tach wont move. anyone know if the edge should be showing rpms while cranking??

I didn't know much about diesels this time last week but I'm learning alot here and appreciate the input.

fingers crossed on the CPS fixing this tomorrow; I'll be posting results either way.

---AutoMerged DoublePost---

OK update;
Replaced CPS this morning and no change. Still cranks and cranks but doesnt fire. No white smoke either.
One thing I did notice is if you crank it long enough for your odometer to light back up you will see the tach needle come up off of the peg.

I bought an inverter and am going to try to get the engine warmed up and see if it makes any difference. If I can get it home I'll pull the valve covers and see whats going on with the harnesses and if the injectors are working when cold. more and more I am thinking the injectors are bad.

 

Sounds to me like a fuel problem. Maybe either a weak pump or bad injector or both.

 

It would sure be nice to know the ICP and DC% during cranking. You could drain the fuel bowl and turn the key to the on position, the fuel bowl should fill back up and that would rule out a fuel pump issue. I think if it starts when plugged in it's either an oil issue or a cold start issue...

 

possible IDM also.