Hard starting 6.2l diesel

[79crewcab]

I have an 82 sierra k20 with a 6.2l diesel that just cranks and smokes when trying to start it had sat for 15+years before i got it i dont believe its compression related being theirs only 27k miles on a reman engine i replaced fuel tank, lines,and put new 6.5l injectors in as well as high torque starter i assume only thing left could be a gunked up injection pump? When it cranks it smokes alot of white smoke and I give it a little shot of ether and it fires right off and runs and idles fine

 

[PrairieDrifter]

6.2's really want all the glow plugs functioning well. Even in the summer.

If nothing else, make a little ether injection tube and run into the cab. Keep a can in the truck.

 

[Blue Ox]

What @PrairieDrifter said.

If it's smoking, the pump is pumping.

Stop ethering it. Fix the glow plugs. While you have them out, do a compression test to confirm the health of the engine.

 

[rancher1913]

leroy diesel has replacement plugs and wires. mine went from starting ok and smoking a little to instant starts lots of power and no smoke. make sure you get the removal tool, those stupid plugs like to brake off inside the head without it

 

[vr1967]

I would update to the 85-up glow plug relay as the 82-84 was not reliable, and is now hard to get parts for.

 

[NLD79K10]

White smoke on a cold diesel engine tends to be unburnt fuel being pumped straight out the exhaust, are your glow plugs working properly?