I have an 87 6.9 that has just given me problems starting. I have removed 6 of the glo plugs and some were easy and others were difficult. The two that are left are pretty stuck. I do not look forward to forcing them out of the hole. They unscrewed fine but the tips are swollen. So my questions are these. When the ignition is turned on in the morning the wait to start light will stay on for about 10-15 seconds. When the light would go out the controller solenoid would start clicking up to 32 times. I put a light on the glo plug wires and every time the solenoid would click it would deliver full voltage to the glo plug. While the wait to start light is on there is no voltage to the glo plugs. Is this normal? I assume that something is wrong because all of the glo plugs are no good. (AC brand) Unfortunatly I ordered a set of champions before I started reading around. Is there some way to control the glo plugs from inside the cab with a switch? I could really use some help. Thanks

 

Do a search for removing glow plugs before you try the last two. There are tips for getting the swollen ones out. Someone will be along with more knowledge on the subject. Replace only with Beru/Motorcraft. I think 87 is the same as mine which cycles after the WTS goes out. 32 is a lot more than mine does. I have read that the more glow plugs that are out, the faster it will cycle. That could lead to more cycles. Yes you can switch to a manual system. Wait for more help than I can give you.

 

thanks fuzzy...

 

Some people might tell you have to get the swollen ones out, but I reccomend screwing them back down in the hole and leaving them, especially if its just two. If they break off in there you(or someone else) WILL be pulling the engine apart.

 

87 uses the new style controller, times the glow plug cycle using resistance feed back from the glow plugs.
Two dead glow plug can cause the system to not operate.

PLC has a link to a very good article about removing stuck glow plugs.
Start by spraying some PB Blaster or another penetrating oil around the stuck glow plugs and letting it soak.

I am sure Pete (PLC7.3) will be along shortly with his link.