Can a glow plug relay go partially bad ?

[kamil]

Wondering if a glow plug relay can go partially bad ? My parts car starts like crazy without hesistation. The light barely goes off and I can just start it right up in the cold weather of New Jersey. On the other hand, my daily 240D seems to be struggling.... What parts should I change from the parts car to my daily driver ?

Thanks

[whunter]

Yes, just before it stops working.

What you choose too move is a personal decision.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by kamil

Wondering if a glow plug relay can go partially bad ? My parts car starts like crazy without hesistation. The light barely goes off and I can just start it right up in the cold weather of New Jersey. On the other hand, my daily 240D seems to be struggling.... What parts should I change from the parts car to my daily driver ?

Thanks

Kamil, I think that it is unlikely to be an issue with the glow plug relay. Are you positive that all four glow plugs are getting voltage and that all of them are in good condition. Have you checked all of them for resistance?

What about valve lash?

What about chain stretch? How late are the valves?

IMHO this is not a "parts change" issue. You really need to go over the daily 240D to find the little things that will help it to start faster.

[PatrickW]

Originally Posted by kamil

Wondering if a glow plug relay can go partially bad ?

I had water in my Glow Plug Relay recently.

Easy to check. Just unplug it, unscrew it, and shake it.

- Patrick

[kamil]

well my daily 240D runs like a champ (seriously) but it takes a while to get it going. I adjusted the valves recently.... I just changed the starter to a used 300D turbo one, I had my glow plugs changed 8 months ago. I've yet to play with the glow plug relay.

[bubbazook2]

I just installed new kit in my 84 300 D turbo after already expriencing hard starting. wow, now it starts in a sec, only problem was fuel leak at #5 inj. return line. in process of replacing line I came across heater hose with xacto knife, almost a good job, ha,ha. anybody got a spare htr. hose for 917.95, goes from block to htr core at throttle rod area?? thanks for any help guuys. bubba

[franklyspeaking]

The glow plug relay is nothing more than single throw/single pole high current switch which allows the current to reach the glow plugs. A dirty switch can mean more resistance across it and allow less current to the glow plugs....and I have heard of this happening. You could swap with your parts car and see if you have improvement, or you could measure the voltage at each plug to see what your getting through the relay. However, generally speaking, if the relay is closing the glow plug switch it should be functional. Your most likely problem is a bad glow plug or 2....I have had some plugs fail in only a few months, especially the American ones.

Good luck!

[kamil]

Thanks...

Kamil