Glow Plug timer

[thclimer]

I think I have solved my mystery--using a 12 volt battery and jumper cable on my work bench--I find that it takes at least 7 seconds for a plug to start showing signs of glowing--and gets going good at 8+ seconds. Tried all 3 of my old glow plugs and the same on all. So, next task will be to figure out how to wire up direct to the glow plug wiring with a switch wired directly to the battery. Seems a lot more practical than buying another timer for ~$90 and the possibility of it still not staying on long enough to heat up the plugs. Again, thanks for the help.
Gerald

Interesting to note, thanks for posting your results

 

[Billrog]

Can't you just turn the key off then back on again to restart the cycle ?

 

[LouNY]

I'd recommend a little push button and a relay

 

[thepumpguysc]

Bill.. his "timer" takes over the hot length.. & at 3 seconds each time.. its not long enough to get the plugs warm..
Once he turns it off & back on, the plugs have cooled & the 3 second mark starts again..

Gerald.. u can google "push button glow plug" to find the schematic..
Most folks opt to use a Ford {car} starter relay or even a universal starter relay..& a push button or toggle switch.
Use a quality button or toggle as they should be able to hold the load.. same goes w/ the wire..

 

[PILOON]

I'd recommend a little push button and a relay

That'll work, a starter relay would be the ideal item.

 

[CoyPatton]

You said you ate in S. TX. My question is what temperatures are you taking about? My concern is that with 40-50 degree temps, you have fuel issues as much as glow plug issues.

 

[3930dave]

I was thinking along the same lines as Coy...... fresh fuel filter is never a bad thing.

I'm having trouble seeing TX with GP problems (Canuck mindset, sorry ). I do get that some engines are more cold-blooded than others though...

How is your cranking speed ? Esp. if your battery is more than 2-3 years old, I'd start with load testing the battery.

Some GP controllers will keep power applied after the dash light is out, some won't. Something seems a bit strange with those plugs though..... 7+ seconds seems very long to me, but I can't say I've tested 50 different types of plugs.... Was that bench battery fully charged/healthy ?

Rgds, D.

 

[cpayne5]

That'll work, a starter relay would be the ideal item.

I'd recommend a little push button and a relay

I had timer issues on my TC45 and bypassed the system using a starter switch. It's rated for 60A, so I just wired it (along with a fuse) inline from the battery to the bus bar for the plugs. One nice thing is that the glowplug light on the dashboard gets its + from the bus bar, so it illuminates when the button is pressed.

Amazon.com: Grote 82-2151 Starter Switch: Automotive