Engine Plug In Question

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Jan 21, 2009 | 01:48 PM

Buicksx2

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Joined: Jun 2003

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Engine Plug In Question

Hi All,

I am still a newbie to the PSD and love mine but only use it during the race season to tow my car to events.

A buddy (diesel mechanic by trade) looked at my truck and said I have a couple glow plugs that should be replaced but are ok for now but on cold days she has a problem turning over. Now granted the truck sits most of the time but incase I need it in a pinch here is my question.

1. Can I keep the truck plugged in full time 24/7, will it do any damage if so?

2. If not how long should I keep it plugged in prior to me wanting to use it?

3. Could I use any lamp timer to run to it and set it for the amount of time in # 2 above?

Thanks in advance.

Rich

Jan 21, 2009 | 02:06 PM

indebt

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,346

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From: Visalia CA

1. yes but $$$$$

2. 3-4hrs should be plenty

3. yes 15amp timer is good

Jan 21, 2009 | 02:17 PM

papadelogan

Snowboard season cometh..

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 5,406

Likes: 1

From: Gulf Coast of Florida

You should switch your oil over to a fully synthetic, 5W40. She'll spin up MUCH MUCH easier, and therefore start easier.

Schaeffer's 9000 (have to order it)
Shell Rotella (blue bottle available at Wal-Mart)

Those are (from general consensus & usage) the top 2 in order of preference. If I had a place to get Schaeffer's from locally, I'd go that route, but I don't. Rotella is great stuff though, so no worries on that one either.

Jan 21, 2009 | 02:22 PM

clintbonnie

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3,292

Likes: 6

From: Ardenvoir, Washington

I agree with the above... switch to 5w-40 synthetic oil. You oil heater draws almost 1000 watts.. big $ if you use it much..

Jan 21, 2009 | 04:57 PM

beer boy

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 397

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From: nova scotia, canada

id love to know what a gow plug thats ok for now is? they are cheap and fairly easy to replace if you have one gone, replace it. better yet your truck is old enough (if its the one in your description) to replace them all and the relay.
its hard to plug the truck in every where you go.

i just installed a indicator light that shows me when the plugs are on and for how long. i cant believe the difference, i now wait for the light to go out and then start the truck right away. 2 min sometimes. but the truck starts like its warm out.... you know its an idiot light that made a difference. cause alls it does is make the idiot wait....lol.

the biggest thing you need to do if those plugs are ok for now is have the batts checked, load tested. that may be your problem. also have the wires to the starter checked and a trained ear listen to the starter to hear if its ok without taking it off the truck. but that kinda guess work.
cheers