truck wont start

[potsiewebber]

New owner of a well used 97 psd 217k. I have researched the forums and have checked my batteries and glow plug relay. all are working properly. Where are the glow plugs located? is there a diagram? the truck cranks and cranks billowing white smoke. it sometimes catches and dies. it rarely starts up but when it does it runs well. I need help.
Thanks,
James

 

[95_stroker]

If you are certain the GPR is functioning and your batts are putting out full voltage then the GP's are located under the valve covers, screwed into the head.

 

[potsiewebber]

I guess i knew that but didnt expect to have to remove the valve covers to have to replace the glow plugs. i tested the voltage on the rear pass and drivers side connectors 1 and 5 and the voltage seemed ok. any other checks i can do before i pull the covers?

 

[95_stroker]

Yeah, take a heavy duty screw driver or one side of a set of jumper cables and go across the two big terminals on your GPR, after 30-60 seconds have someone try to start it.

 

[potsiewebber]

that would test the gpr? im not sure i follow. I put a voltmeter on it and it read 11.8 volts until it shut off, then it went to zero.

 

[95_stroker]

Exactly, I am trying to diagnose your GPR, that is a very common failure item and rather simple/cheap to replace.