hi all, i have a 1980 f250 with a diesel in it went to start it and the key broke something inside the houseing, its no big deal i was going to put a push button switch in it anyway, but how do i do that with glow plugs? also when i take and jump the selnoid there is nothing, it just clicks, i thought it might be the selnoid bought a new one , have not put in on but when i put the two main wires togather it just clicks,any help would be great, thanks

 

The click is coming from dirty battery cables or dead batteries. I would fix the column, converting it to a manual switch is not as easy as you would think.

 

i did clean up the batterys and cables, thay are fully charged, i will try to fix the switch thursday, thanks, is it vary hard,

 

I am guessing it's the key switch on the steering column that broke. If you can still turn it, they aren't too bad to change out. Disconnect the battery(s) turn the key to the "run" position, on the bottom side of the steering column there is a small hole with a tiny button inside it. Use a stout ***** or punch to push the button in, this will release the the lock; then use a small flat bladed screwdriver and carefully pry the switch out of the column. The new one installs easier yet, turn the switch to the run position and slide it into place. Once you feel it click into place rotate the switch through all positions to make sure it functions properly, you should be good to go. I bought my replacement lock cylinder at Advance Auto Parts, it was around 13 bucks. Now if you're lucky like me and the switch is jammed up, you get to have a little fun with the drill. I ended up having to drill the center out of the lock cylinder and dig out all the little tumbler pins in order to be able to turn the switch. I might add is a time consuming and aggravating process . As for the glow plugs not working properly, if you go to the Pre Powerstroke 6.9/7.3 forum there is an article on how to convert the existing glow plug system to manual. Hope this helps!

 

How did you get an '80 truck with a diesel? The earliest year for the 6.9 IDI diesel was '83.

 

oops, sorry it is a 84 f250 diesel,it was the lock cylinder, i can get one at napa for $16., also my son took off the starter selnoid a while go i put on a new one, but can you guys tell me if i have it right, if you have a pic that would be great all togather i have 5 wires, i just want to know if there right, befour i had to use a screwdriver to jump the selnoid to start it, thanks