Glow Plug Question
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Senior User
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Glow Plug Question
I suspect I may have a faulty glow plug relay ....... I live in the islands and nobody has the relay in stock, I have to order it from the USA ....... The question is what is the difference between the glow plug relay and the starter relay (solonoid). Is there any reason why a starter relay wont do the same job.... I cant imagine that the glow plugs relay has to draw more amperage than the starter relay and they are both pretty much the same type switch........... anyone got any ideas if this can work using a starter relay to replace the glowplugs relay ?? 
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2002
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I don't think the starter relay will last. The glow plug relay is rated at 120 volts dc. Glow plugs operate at high dc voltage and Ford has had problems with these glow plug relays in the past. The voltage rating wasn't high enough and the contacts start melting over time. Once they start melting or getting malformed, the contacts can actually be touching each other a little and sending voltage to the glow plugs constantly, which then causes the glow plug life to be shortened. The same thing will probably happen if you use the starter relay for long because the contacts are not rated for the voltage. Use the starter relay temporary and plan on eventually replacing with the right relay.
Postmaster
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From: Bonney Lake, WA
I live in the islands and nobody has the relay in stock, I have to order it from the USA
If you go into either of these places, order it by part number. They don't have these parts listed in their computer for this application.
I hope this helps.
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Thanks Quadzilla ........... Its the Bahama Islands and yes we do have a Napa store here and I did check it out but no application for my vehicle.......... But maybe this part # will help, I will check them again today....... I really appreciate it.
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Postmaster
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From: Bonney Lake, WA
Don't complicate things by telling them what you're using it for, just ask for it by part number.
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To the glow plugs use 120VDC.The glow plugs are operated on 12.0VDC.You might be thinking of the injectors they are 120VDC but not the glow plugs.The injectors are operated from the INJECTOR DRIVER MOUDULE [IDM].That is where the voltage is increased to 120VDC to work the injectors.The glow plugs are not controled by the IDM.THEY JUST WORK OFF 12.0VDC.The PCM controls the time the 12.0VDC glow plug relay is no.I am a certified ford diesel tech and work on these trucks every day at a dealership and never seen a 120VDC glow plug system on any of the ford diesel trucks F-250 - F550 that use the powerstroke or the F650-F750 that use the CAT or CUMMINS engines.
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Thanks for the info PSPower................. Seeing that you are a diesel tech........ What do you think of the idea of using the starter relay in place of the glow plug relay.......... they both relay high amperage 12 volt current.......... whats the difference?
Freshman User
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I would use A ford part because i work at a ford dealer and we probably have them in stock.But if i was in your situation and could find something that works i would use it.I don't see anything wrong with using a relay that will work and is rated at 12volts.If i could show you a diagram of the glow plug system i would to show you that there is nothing that is 120VOLTS in that system. It just 12VOLTS.But i can't publish fords material it is against ford policies.Good luck in your search.