Glowpug Relay, fix it cheap
Glowpug Relay, fix it cheap
I'm sure some of you probably have done this already, or have thought about it, but for anybody that hasn't, this is a cheap and easy fix when the glowplug relay dies. What I did was use a ford starter solenoid, which cost about $13, and wired that to a button in the cab. Now, not only did I save lots of moneys and stuff from not buying a new one, I can control how long the plugs glow (you know, for winter vs. summer driving, cold engine vs. hot engine, stuff like that)
Button on the right for glowplugs, (far left switch is for WVO stuff, the one on the right is gonna be for w/m injection when I finish hooking it up)
solenoid mounted where glowplug relay used to be, you can see my ghetto wiring to the far right of the picture. I have a 30amp fuse I am going to install in-line with the main power for the glowplugs, to prevent the solenoid from burning up if there is a power spike while its on or something (already had that happen once, ended up spending $118 on a new battery when I just needed a new solenoid)
GREAT INFO !
Not sure about all models and different solenoids and what not, but the connector on the wire supplying power to the original relay fit perfectly on the solenoids I have used
I have had to do that with my 83 300sd. I'm not sure if its because of the year of your car but I had 5 wires for the glow plugs where it looks like you have just the one. I installed a 80 amp fuse on the hot side to keep from burning things up. Iirc 80 amps was the same size as what was with the original glow plug controller.
No I had 5 also, I just twisted them all together, and then twisted another one on to the bunch. I plan on changing my setup using proper connectors and stuff eventually. I also have a 30 amp breaker I'm going to be installing in there somewhere to keep from frying the solenoid again
Very good idea. I actually don't care either way for auto or manual plugs. But when I bought my car the relay's temp sensor must've crapped out and the previous owner jerry rigged a toggle switch to the relay and made it manual. So that works out. If and when mine blows I'll have to do this.