My1999 f250 won't start in cold weather unless block heater is plugged in. Even after just sittting for a couple of hours in the cold it takes 9 to 16 rounds of glowplug warmings to start and usually dies a few times... then it smokes like crazy until it warms up. Also, when I get up to 30mph, the acceleration can stop and it won't go any faster until I break then accelerate again with the pedal down. Any suggestions? The g-plug relay has been replaced recently with no change and g-plugs replaced 3-4 years ago

if you mean block heater if it's installed it's on the driver side in grille but most times it's not as it was a dealer installed option

Cold weather has an adverse affect on batteries. The clicking sound could be from the starter solenoid not receiving enough voltage to energize the starter motor. The engine being hesitant to start and run could indicate the need of new spark plugs, wires, etc.

plug to keep from gelling??? no such thing..there may be an engnieblock heater that makes for easier starting in cold wweather, but this does not accomodate fuel heating. the power cord for the block heater is an option from factory, not all are built with it. howeer, all diesels have the actual heater installed. it is in the right side of the engine as i recall and will have 3 prongs stickinjg out that the plug would snap onto..this heater is in place of an engine freeze plug..the power cord can be ordered from your dealer for abouit $80.00 (US $)..as far as anti gelling, that would be an additive poured directly into you fuel upon fill up..i would suggest using it around 35 degrees f, and below

Make sure your plug wires are not being affected (brittle, old,etc}. An engine oil heater works well in cold areas. Possible thickening of oil.

do you let your glow plugs cycle or are your glow plugs even working

check your glow plug relay! located on the right side head

this sounds like a fuel contamination problem Assuming you have allready ck that glow plugs are all working add a few cans of dewater to tank and drive it a bit change fuel supplier

a simple way to see if glow plugs are even trying to work is right after wait to start lite goes out look at voltmeter on dash if it's not bouncing a bit there not working

glow plugs preheat the combustion chamber so cold fuel will fire off

also that truck might also have the fuel heater internal to filter housing
installed that might be burnt out as well OHM meter will tell you if so

It is possible that some of the glow plugs might not be working. This will cause a hard start and smoking condition especially in cold weather.

see if there a plug inside the front bumper area or look on rear of engine on pass side for heater

Yes, my 2003 did the same with about 75k miles on it, stranded me on days it stayed under 40F unless I plugged in the block heater the night before, then it started like a champ. Dealer replaced the relay and a control unit under ESP warranty. There's no way to fix this one without throwing parts at it.