Installing a MONSTER Glow Plug Relay on your 7.3 Powerstroke Van - Testing / Replacing a Diesel GPR

[@salimoneus]

I am not convinced that the OE relay is inadequate in some way. Did you do any tests that prove the glow plugs are drawing more current than the stock unit can provide? If you are having issues with blown relays, then I would suggest that's an indicator your glow plugs are starting to go and should be replaced. Just upgrading a relay could just be a bandaid that covers up the real problem.

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Valid points. I think durability is the main reason to upgrade to the Stancor. It is a burlier unit with larger contacts and a stronger build, and should outlast the OEM unit. I don't think current draw is really a concern, it's more with burning out the contacts over time, which will happen as a result of normal wear and tear over years of regular use even if the glow plugs aren't offering increased resistance. As far as tests, I know that my old OEM relay was providing less voltage on the draw side than on the feed side, so there was an issue with the unit itself. Despite buying a van with 300k+ miles, I don't love wrenching around under the doghouse so replacing the OEM GPR with a beefier unit that should outlast the stock replacement for not a lot more cost made sense to me. I couldn't agree more about the bandaid concern, and I will be replacing my glow plugs (and injectors and UVCH) this spring/summer once budget and weather allow. Anytime you have an issue with one component of a 20+ year old system that is subject to wear and heat and dirt and vibration, I think it's pretty likely that if one piece fails the others aren't far behind.

[@markdavis8888]

I tested mine and it was dead. Its on a 2000 F-450 with 50,000 miles. WTF? How much could it have possibly been used? I'm going White Rogers and not looking back. Fuel bowl delete next! BTW: The power terminal should have a insulated terminal cover on it since it is always hot.

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Low mileage but if it was original then the thing still had 20+ years of exposure to the elements, vibration, cycles of heat and cold, etc. I'm surprised so much is actually still working on my van

[@cn3121]

My 03 7.3 wouldn’t start if I didn’t plug it in last winter. I added that GPR, no luck. It needed undercover gaskets and new glow plugs.

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Bummer. Thanks for sharing. Did it start well after replacing those? Mine started on the old GPR but I'm systematically working through the van and replacing every common failure point, so this upgrade made sense. I haven't pulled my gasket covers yet. I think when I do I'll replace the glow plugs, under valve cover wiring harnesses, and check all the injectors.

[@cn3121]

I’m hoping it did the trick. I’ll know more when it gets cold out.🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Good luck and keep me posted! Heading into my first winter with this van and always learning.

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

How was removing the valve cover bolts? I've seen some folks really struggling with them on social media. Any tips?

[@cn3121]

I had a diesel shop change them. I don’t have the mechanics tools and garage space needed.