12V glow plug wiring question..

[atsah]

I’m working on an old Bolens and the glow plugs aren’t getting power from the switch, it has no relay and the fuse is good, my question is, I have a 30amp momentary switch and was wondering if I could put power and ground from the battery to the switch and power the glow plugs with the switch instead of replacing the ignition switch?

 

[thepumpguysc]

Most folks "back in the day" just used a Ford starter solenoid & a push button.. but yes.

 

[atsah]

It's the easiest and cheapest way to do it, I have all the parts to do it hanging around in the shop. The ignition switch is a bear to change out and I'm afraid I'll break old things trying to get it out..

 

[Dave M7040]

I’m working on an old Bolens and the glow plugs aren’t getting power from the switch, it has no relay and the fuse is good, my question is, I have a 30amp momentary switch and was wondering if I could put power and ground from the battery to the switch and power the glow plugs with the switch instead of replacing the ignition switch?

I suggest you approach this in an organized fashion. Do you have a 12 volt test light like this one? Less than $10

Any chance you have a wiring diagram? If you don't, suggest you post photo of the glow plug side of your engine.

Glow plugs could be wired in series or parallel and it makes a big difference in determining what could be wrong.

Usually, there is a Glow Plug indicator wired in series or parallel with the GP's. While the indicator is giving the owner info, it is also moderating the current flowing to the GP's. The indicator will be a tiny open coil of wire that will turn red as you heat the GP's

GP manufacturers advise against applying 12 volts to their GP's and if you do so you risk part of the GP tip breaking apart inside the engine and the consequences of this can result in a destroyed engine.

On older engines, often GP's don't work because rust has destroyed their ground to the engine block.

Dave M7040

 

[nyone]

A test light wont show you if your glow plugs are less than 30a.

 

[radios1]

I'd pull the plug on the ignition switch, and check for corroded connections first!. then I'd check each glow plug with an ohmmeter for continuity, and replace any that are bad. getting the wiring diagram is a must have, you don't want to either spend too much time on this repair, OR damage your glow plugs..

 

[WranglerX]

I think best thing to do is validate GP wiring with manufacturers wiring diagram.... Unless you you are really confident in glow plug type (series/parallel 6V/12V) and how its wired (you electrical knowledge) ...

Dale

 

[WranglerX]

A test light wont show you if your glow plugs are less than 30a.

No it won't but it's about the best elemental trouble shooting tool available.... Have several volt/ohm meters in both analog and digital (one worth $250) and first tool I grab is $5 test lamp....

Dale

 

[Industrial Toys]

Does it have one of those dash mounted indicators, I call them cigarette lighters?

 

[EddieWalker]

My 2003 Century 2535 has been giving me issues with the wiring and trying to start it for the last couple of years. It would take me awhile to find the problem, and then once I fixed it, something else would go out on it and I'd be back to searching for the latest issue. Finally I had enough and I took out all the wiring and just installed the basics. A new key to the starter and alternator. A push button to the glow plugs. A choke cable to the lever that kills the engine fuel supply.

To start my tractor, I turn on the key, pull out the choke cable and hold the glow plug button for a count of ten. Then it starts right up. It's a little cold, so I rev up the engine for a little while until it warms up. Every time I've wanted to use my tractor, it's started right up. Compared to the last couple of years, this has been a huge improvement!!!