FUEL STARVASION POOR STARTING TAKES UNTILL THE BATTERY IS NEARLY FLAT, IHAVE CHECKED GLOW PLUGS THEY ARE WORKING ,I THINK ITS THE FUEL MOTOR FROM THE TANK? WHERE IS THE MOTOR LOCATED ? I LOOK FORWARD TO ANY SUGESTIONS AND HELP! THANK YOU PETER.

A 1997 7.3 diesel engine that starts, idles rough, and then dies within a minute can be caused by a variety of issues. Here are a few things to check:

1. Fuel system: The fuel system is a common cause of this issue. Check the fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel lines, and injectors for any signs of blockages or damage. If any of these components are faulty, they can prevent the engine from receiving sufficient fuel and cause it to stall.
2. Glow plugs: Glow plugs are used to heat the combustion chamber in diesel engines to aid in cold starting. If the glow plugs are not functioning properly, it can cause rough idle and stalling. Check the glow plug relay and individual glow plugs for proper functioning.
3. Air intake: A clogged air filter or intake system can restrict air flow to the engine, causing it to run poorly and stall. Check the air filter and air intake system for any signs of blockages.
4. Electrical system: A faulty battery, alternator, or starter can cause the engine to stall. Check the battery voltage, alternator output, and starter function to ensure that they are all working properly.
5. Sensors: Faulty sensors, such as the crankshaft position sensor, can cause the engine to stall. Check the sensors for proper function and replace any that are faulty.

If none of these issues seem to be the cause of the problem, it may be necessary to take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic for a diagnostic inspection to determine the underlying issue.

Shouldn't have to remove much to get at them. Does the glow plug lamp flash after the engine has started. I'm not sold on it being a glow plug issue, these engines start without them down to well below freezing without any real trouble, if it IS this its more likely to be a wiring issues rather than sudden failure of 4 glow plugs. Leak off pipes on the low pressure side, or an injection problem is more likely.

Doubtful you have a fuel pressure problem if the car runs well, poor starting can be a few things , poor air circulation air filter needs cleaning or replacing, poor injector flow warn injectors or just dirty fuel additive sometimes clears this , poor spark plugs not firing under pressure ok when started . for diesel cars you don't say what car it is , poor glow plugs . bad fuel filter , air leaks in fuel pump , poor injectors . and especially with diesel poor compression due to worn rings or head gasket failure . You may even have just have disturbed the engine earth strap when you replaced your starter motor .

If not broken yet:heat a little the engine,stop it.Poor some drops of diesel fuel near the plug,wait and poor a little more ,easy tap the key to unscrew.U may use also wd40 spray.Do not use excesive force (yet it can take a larger amount as usual...).

The solenoid click sounds very strong, implying that you have a charged battery and the ignition circuit is functioning out to the solenoid. Suspect an issue with the starter motor. Is the starter motor installed and connected properly?

If the compression is good then I would check the glow plugs or glow plug relay.

You car is fuel injected. You should not need to pump the gas pedal to get it to start. If your check engine light is on you need to take it to a shop and have the codes read so you can see what the problem is and repair the problem. A change of fuel filter might help. Water in your diesal fuel may also be a source of your problem. A diesal motor works off of combustion and heat, there really isnt an ignition system in the car except for the glow plugs which heat things up prior to ignition. If it is taking 34 times to start the vehicle you may also have a glow plug issue. If these are not working properly you will never get this vehicle to start.

I really think you have a glow plug problem.

didyou replace the manifold heater?
have you checked the relay?have you checked to see if there is actualy power getting to the glow plugs? and also the fuse .
It is very srtange ,if the glow plugs are working ,for it not to fire up straightaway .Does it miss when it does first start?If so, the glow plugs are not all working.Last thing try giving it a squirt of aero start, or starter fluid , if with that ,if it doesn`t start straight away, then you better come back to me as i have another idea what could be a problem but I dont think the glow plugs are working properly so try the aero start first "youdoit"

Check the glow plug thermo sensor...found in the cylinder head.
Unlightly anything wrong with injector pump.
Good luck
John