1996 7.3 ?

[Autocar]

I run Shell Rotella Synthetic 5 W 40 in my 2001 F-350 7.3 can I also run it in my 1996 7.3 ? My 2001 starts alot better in cold weather. I just bought this 1996 F-350 and don't want to make myself a problem if I put the wrong oil in it. Thank You Bill

 

[Steve Frazier]

That oil should be fine. The hard starting in the '96 may be from the glow plug solenoids not working, it's a common problem. That's where I'd start looking.

 

[Goodysnap]

Oil is fine if that's what you choose to run. Also check out the Batteries and connections. Colder weather needs good cranking RPM and amperage for the glow plugs. As Steve already mentioned glow plug relays are common failure item.

 

[Autocar]

There is a relay that lays right behind the fuel filter but your saying glow plug RELAY'S is there more then one ? I took my test light and when I turn the key on all four studs seem to be hot, but what I can't figure out they stay hot after the truck is running. Two of the studs are bigger bolt stubs with heavy wire and two are small with small wire. Thank you for the info !

 

[Steve Frazier]

Yes, there are two relays. They will remain energized for a couple minutes or so after the truck starts, you can see the voltmeter jump when they shut down.

 

[Autocar]

Do you know where the second one is located ? The one behind the fuel filter looks like a selinoid on a old type starter.

 

[Goodysnap]

I think your model year will only have one relay that operates glow plugs. Later models have 2 relays on top- 1 for glow plugs, 1 for intake heater. There is no good way to test the relay with a test light. You need to see if current is flowing and to properly do so you need a amp clamp and meter. The relay will remain on as needed even after starting and is not tied directly to the wait to start lamp(so its not on necessarily when the lights on)
If you replace the relay- get an original Motorcraft relay. Aftermarket and starter relays will not last. Again, just because the relay lights your test light doesn't mean you have enough current to light all the glow plugs.

 

[Autocar]

Ok I will check into a meter, I put new batterys in it last week but seems to crank like the batterys are low it's probably in the teens this afternoon maybe thats the problem.

 

[Steve Frazier]

Make sure your connections to the starter are clean, both hot and ground. A little bit of corrosion will reduce the current to the starter and cause those symptoms with healthy batteries.

 

[Autocar]

The connection on the starter has been hot,bolts were rusty. I backed the nut off and the threads on the 3/8's bolt were pulled and I tried to run a tread chaser on it but wasn't enough room to get it done right. So I cleaned it up and put it all back togather. I ran out of time and starting a job tomarrow and it will be a few days before I get back at it. Iam sure this will make some difference in starting you could see there was alot of heat on the eye and bolt when you cranked it