My 1973 Ford 2000 won't start again.

sd455dan · Apr 8, 2013

JosephFatherof6 said:
View attachment 312301 View attachment 312302

One photo depicts the plug under the Glow Plug (?) in the intake manifold and the other photo shows that the wire goes to the ignition switch (Red wire on the left side of the switch.

the picture on the right certainly looks like the thermo start electro-thermic unit to me.., Put a volt meter on that wire and make sure it goes to 12 volts when the key is turned to the left one detent from the central off position. If you get power, then go a head and hook it up and you should be back in business... She should start now...

JosephFatherof6 · Apr 9, 2013

I took off the hose between the intake manifold and the air filter pipe to expose the thermo start electro-thermic unit. I turned the key to the left and it started smoking then quickly produced a flame. This happened 2 or 3 times. Working on cars for the last 34 years I figured engine plus flame usually don't mix.

I removed the thermo start electro-thermic unit and sprayed it with Gum-out then blow it out with compressed air, re-installed it and started over. This time it heated up without the flame. Must of been real dirty.

I put everything back to together and realized that my battery is still weak from me killing it the other day and when I put the charger on it switched to quick start it still isn't cranking enough per second to start it up.

My next step is to have the starter rebuilt due to sparks flying out where the battery cable is connected.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again.

Soundguy · Apr 9, 2013

sparks are a loose connection.

stud may be spinning or loose in there.. that's a prob for sure..

sd455dan · Apr 9, 2013

JosephFatherof6 said:
I took off the hose between the intake manifold and the air filter pipe to expose the thermo start electro-thermic unit. I turned the key to the left and it started smoking then quickly produced a flame. This happened 2 or 3 times. Working on cars for the last 34 years I figured engine plus flame usually don't mix.

I removed the thermo start electro-thermic unit and sprayed it with Gum-out then blow it out with compressed air, re-installed it and started over. This time it heated up without the flame. Must of been real dirty.

I put everything back to together and realized that my battery is still weak from me killing it the other day and when I put the charger on it switched to quick start it still isn't cranking enough per second to start it up.

My next step is to have the starter rebuilt due to sparks flying out where the battery cable is connected.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again.

I disagree about the thermostart it works by heating up, unseating a ball and literally catching the diesel on fire- that heat is pulled into the first cylinder on the intake stroke and the heat (fire helps start the combustion process.
I just had to replace the one on my Rhino tractor because it wasn't getting hot enough to produce flame and therefore had to use the block heater to get the engine warm enough to start....
I can actually hear both tractors intakes ,catch -fire and then crank the engine and that's when the cylinders start to fire and the engines start.. you have to remember diesel does not burn like gasoline, and you only need to do this unti the engine starts... if it weren't for thermo starts my tractors would be sitting a lot more of the time... anyway you will really like that 2000 once you get used to it's (personality):thumbsup:

JosephFatherof6 · Apr 10, 2013

Yesterday after I posted my friend came by who’s more familiar with diesel engines then I am. He spent about 30 minutes playing with the ignition switch going back and forth between left and right holding it in the glow plug position then trying to start it when it finally started.

We used it all day turning it on and off when we needed and everything was fine. This morning I was dredging the disappointment of it not starting again and just went for it.

I went out turn the key to the left without cranking it counted to 20 then went right and she started on the first try.

We drove it around turn it off and started it again with no problem.

Now with that out of the way … did I mention the brakes don’t work? I adjusted them through the hole in the back plate but it seems they are adjusted as far as they can be adjusted.

As far as the starter the sparks comes from one of the rivets right above where the battery cable is attached. I found a machine shop in town that will rebuild it for under 100 dollars.

On a personal note I’ve been working on cars (Gasoline engines) seen I’m 16 but have no clue about diesel engines. I appreciate all the help and suggestions, thank you.

Soundguy · Apr 10, 2013

sparks from a rivit. hm.. no placing that.. a pic my help.

as for the brakes. it's basic drum brakes like on the back of an old truck.. nothing special.

the way i do em.. and not saying you did em wrong.. is this.

jack up one rear.. spin tire and use screwdriver to adjust that start wheel till tire drags.. then back off a click / stop dragging. tehn do the other side.

it may be that your lining is gone / drum worn out.. or it may have leaky axle seals and letting rear end lube ontot he shoes in which case they will hardly work. this assume brake linkage is moving correctly.. getting enough throw..etc.

in any case.. nothing odd wil happen to ya.. so if you are used to old gas truck.. pul the rear wheel off if it doen't adjust out and it's just drum brakes.

JosephFatherof6 said:
Yesterday after I posted my friend came by who’s more familiar with diesel engines then I am. He spent about 30 minutes playing with the ignition switch going back and forth between left and right holding it in the glow plug position then trying to start it when it finally started.

We used it all day turning it on and off when we needed and everything was fine. This morning I was dredging the disappointment of it not starting again and just went for it.

I went out turn the key to the left without cranking it counted to 20 then went right and she started on the first try.

We drove it around turn it off and started it again with no problem.

Now with that out of the way … did I mention the brakes don’t work? I adjusted them through the hole in the back plate but it seems they are adjusted as far as they can be adjusted.

As far as the starter the sparks comes from one of the rivets right above where the battery cable is attached. I found a machine shop in town that will rebuild it for under 100 dollars.

On a personal note I’ve been working on cars (Gasoline engines) seen I’m 16 but have no clue about diesel engines. I appreciate all the help and suggestions, thank you.

sd455dan · Apr 10, 2013

If you really think you need a starter at $100 you are getting close to the price of a new unit from Db electrical on Amazon for$111. that includes free shipping.