Glow Plug Issues!

[fbronson]

Recently, I've had an interesting thing start to happen. After I've been driving for oh, say 1 or 2 minutes, the glow plugs will start to flicker on an off. Sometimes they will go through a full cycle, just like when I first start the truck, sometimes they just flicker, and once or twice they've stayed on long enough to make me worry about melting them (30 seconds or so) so I have to pull over, turn off the truck, and then start it back up. Anyone had this happen before? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Any ideas what it could be? /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif I've checked all the connections to the glow plug relay, and everything seems good.

 

[tRustyK5]

Could be a bad controller which is at the rear of the engine next to the vacuum pump (if you have one)

Could also be a bad temp switch, also at the back of the motor but on the other side.

Rene

 

[cegusman]

[ QUOTE ]
Could be a bad controller which is at the rear of the engine next to the vacuum pump (if you have one)

Could also be a bad temp switch, also at the back of the motor but on the other side.

Rene

[/ QUOTE ]


I'll second the bad controller. Thats what mine started to do before it went out, it also killed all but 3 of my glow plugs.

 

[fbronson]

Yeah, I'll check out the controller and temp sensor... About how much do they cost, and is it worth it to install a manual GP switch? I live in Denver, CO, where it rarely gets below 0 degress F. BTW, cegusman, that is one sweet set up you have displayed in your posts! /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif Just curious about your tow rig: From your drawing, my buddy thinks you meant it to look like a Ford, I say Chevy. If you don't mind me asking, what is it?

 

[OFFRDK5]

Get some new AC60s and you won't have to worry about burning your glow plugs out. You can get them at any of you local auto parts places! /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

 

[fbronson]

Actually, I am currently using AC60's, so I am not too worried about burning them out. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif How many people use a manual GP switch, and is it worth my while to fore-go the temp unit and controller to install one? /forums/images/graemlins/ears.gif

 

[OFFRDK5]

[ QUOTE ]
Actually, I am currently using AC60's, so I am not too worried about burning them out. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif How many people use a manual GP switch, and is it worth my while to fore-go the temp unit and controller to install one? /forums/images/graemlins/ears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh, from what I read in your first post you were worried about "melting" them.

Manual switch is great to have. The AC60's need a bit more glow time than the others to really get warmed up, unless you are using Kennedy's GPs.

 

[tRustyK5]

[ QUOTE ]
Actually, I am currently using AC60's, so I am not too worried about burning them out. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif How many people use a manual GP switch, and is it worth my while to fore-go the temp unit and controller to install one? /forums/images/graemlins/ears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I use a manual switch. With the AC 60G's the stock controller wouldn't cycle them long enough and it was a pain to start. With the manual set-up I cycle them about 4-5 seconds in warm weather, and about 10-12 seconds in the winter when it gets down into the low 30's.

In the summer (like now) if it's been running already I'll re-start up to an hour later without using the glow plugs at all. If it's even remotely warm it'll flash up in under 2 seconds. A good starter is probably more key to easy starts than the glow plugs IMO.

Rene