Massey Ferguson 1260 glow plug question

[OLDSRIP]

hi all,

I was asked to look at a friends MF 1260 diesel.

It's not starting when cold. I'm not very experienced with diesels.

The engine has 3 glow plugs connected with a bar that runs across them for power.

We tested for power at that bar and had battery voltage when powering the glow plugs.

Does that mean everything is good up to that point? The reason I ask is because this tractor has a light on the dash that is a coil of some sort. That light is not working.

According to my friend. That light hasn't worked for a long time and starting has never been a issue. He has in the distant past replaced that coil two times. And has been told it's a common issue that doesn't affect glow plug operation.
To me, it seems like a complicated system vs using a simple light to tell you you glow plugs are on.

Anyway. The question is. Since I have 12 v on that power bar, (buss bar?)
Is the next step pulling the glow plugs for testing and replacement?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[bspeedy]

You are on the right track, Joe.

You can read up on how to check glow plugs, but I would just connect each one to 12v and make sure they get red hot REAL quick.

Good luck.

 

[OLDSRIP]

You are on the right track, Joe.

You can read up on how to check glow plugs, but I would just connect each one to 12v and make sure they get red hot REAL quick.

Good luck.

Thanks bspeedy,

I wanted to make sure I was thinking right because these glow plugs are buried behind the injector pump.

It looks like it's going to be a project to get them out, especially the center one.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Texasmark]

Before you go to the trouble of removing them, take the wires loose at the glow plug terminals and using an ohmmeter check the resistance of the plugs stud terminal to the engine block. Since they get red hot fast on 12v the resistance should be down to less than 1 ohm. So if you read 5 ohms or less (for a number) I'd say they were ok. The coily thing on the dash is just your indicator light and they use a coil because the plug is a coil of wire. The light just tells you that the glow plug relay is energized.

On 12v on the power bar, I'd go to the stud of the plug and measure the voltage as the interconnection between the bar and plug could be corroded and the plug isn't getting the voltage shown on the bar.

 

[OLDSRIP]

Hi Texasmark.

We did check the resistance at the wiring connector that goes to the 3 glow plugs. I think it was 2 ohms. That was with the wiring still connected to the plugs.
But we did not test the glow plugs individually. Which I think is what you are suggesting.

I will try that.

I will also test at the gp lug stud as you suggest.

Thanks you for the suggestions.
joe