glow plug system
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glow plug system
I have a 1985 6.9 liter international diesel, it is in a small school bus, but the same as a ford truck. Can't get it started from a cold start. First I replaced a;; the glow plugs, that didn't work, then it appeared that the glow plug relay switch was burnt out, so I replaced that too. It still isn't starting properly, so now it turns out that the new glow plugs, and the new relay switch are burnt out too. Once it gets started it runs fine....... Now I'm not sure if it could be the control switch........Any ideas?
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
Yes, I have an idea.
The glow plug controller is trash. The controller also provides afterglow to the engine after it starts. If the alternator does not send enough voltage to the controller when it starts, the controller leaves the glow plugs on till it gets enough voltage for a period of time. With the alternator probably not being all the way up to spec, but still working fine, the glow plugs and relays wind up toasting before they get turned off.
What is worse, the controller will probably break off before it comes out.
So the best solution is;
Replace the glow plugs with Motorcraft Beru plugs.
Replace the relay, when you do this reinstall the big wires from the battery and glow plugs where they belong on the big studs. Replace the black ground wire on the small terminal. Run a wire from the other small terminal to the inside of the cab and hook it to a momentary switch. Then run power from the fuse panel to the momentary switch. Now when you want to start the cold engine, just hold the switch down for a 9 count and start the engine. If the engine is warm, save the glow plugs and just start the engine. When it is warmer outside you might try just a 4 count or not at all when it is real warm outside. Real cold, give it an 11 count before starting.
The glow plug controller is trash. The controller also provides afterglow to the engine after it starts. If the alternator does not send enough voltage to the controller when it starts, the controller leaves the glow plugs on till it gets enough voltage for a period of time. With the alternator probably not being all the way up to spec, but still working fine, the glow plugs and relays wind up toasting before they get turned off.
What is worse, the controller will probably break off before it comes out.
So the best solution is;
Replace the glow plugs with Motorcraft Beru plugs.
Replace the relay, when you do this reinstall the big wires from the battery and glow plugs where they belong on the big studs. Replace the black ground wire on the small terminal. Run a wire from the other small terminal to the inside of the cab and hook it to a momentary switch. Then run power from the fuse panel to the momentary switch. Now when you want to start the cold engine, just hold the switch down for a 9 count and start the engine. If the engine is warm, save the glow plugs and just start the engine. When it is warmer outside you might try just a 4 count or not at all when it is real warm outside. Real cold, give it an 11 count before starting.
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