nasty cold start problem

[feets]

I think my heaters aren't working too well. How can I check 'em out?
On a cold start, my wait light comes on, but I don't hear the click of the heaters. When I start the truck (nothing below 30 degrees), it has a very hard time catching, runs rough, and white smokes for a minute or two.
Warm starts and drivability are fine after the engine has been running long enough to get some temp in the head.
I had a nasty ground problem a little while back. When I had the key on, one of the heater control boxes was making a squeal that increased in pitch like it was gonna explode. We unplugged it while troubleshooting the electrics. It felt kinda warm.
Electrics are fixed but the heater doesn't seem to work. Connections seem good.
What to do?
Is the factory Dodge shop manual worth getting for the diesel info? Should I get the Cummins book instead?

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'92 D250 Club Cab "tweaked", '65 Plymouth Max Wedge clone twin turbo 440 4 speed, and high powered plinkers!
Too much power is just right!

 

[R.E. Miller]

feets,
The dodge shop manual has saved me dollars, it is worth getting especially for this subject. They have good detail, and reasonable methods for testing. It sounds like one or both of your relays are shot, also make sure your battery condition is good because relays tend to make weird noises like the one you discribed when the voltage applied is too low (oops, that noise could also be your ground problem too #ad
) I just replaced both of the sensors on my truck to solve my white smoke problem, my heater sensor is still good, may be you want to try it? Need more info, let me know remscape@hotmail.com

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1992 W-350 Club Cab Dually (All quiet for now)
1992 W-350 8' contractors dump with 3. 5"BD exhaust, 16cm^2 housing

[This message has been edited by R. E. Miller (edited 02-20-2001). ]