Burning out glow plug?????
 

Well I have had this problem where I burn out glow plugs at random... Most of the time it is after a long drive on the interstate, 200 or more miles....... I have tried different plugs, new coils, .. I was told to try the timer on the firewall...... I am not sure where or what that is, I have a repair book on the way.... My question is has this happened to anyone else? I have a 1971 220 Diesel.... Thanks

It is almost impossible to blow (GP's) glow plugs, within 200mi.

Maybe in 4 or 8 or 12 years, or 100K and up miles.................................

It sounds like your glown plugs are ON ALL THE TIME.........bet you had little smoke!

I would replace the GP relay.................good luck:silly:

Where is a good place to get parts? The dealer is to much $$$$

Here (fastlane - see link above), Junkyard and, if you have the guts, ebay.


Looks like it's $98 here for a new one. You can always try to pry yours apart and see if it just needs a good D-n-C.

What brand of GPs have you been using? Monarch, and Champion wont last long.

Have you upgraded to the pencil type or are you still running loop plugs?

A 220D does not have a GP (timer) relay. It is a manual system.

this is what I was wondering.

how long have you been driving this car? what is your starting procedure? from putting in the key, to driving away.
John

Loop style......Bosch

Put key in.......... Pull out knob to warm glow plugs.. wait for oarnge glow hold for an extra second or 2 TOPS!!! Pull all the way out to start..... If extreme cold I cycle through twice before starting...... I have been driveing the car 8 years!!!!!! Burns out different glow plug.. never the same....... and never in city or close range..only on interstate after 140 + miles... But not always.... Just at random!!!!! Been good for a while now..... But went through 5 sets of plugs in 7 months 2 years ago...... Seems to get better every year.... Just want to fix it!!! I have taken it to a few shops and no answers from them either... Thanks!

I believe I would try reaming out the carbon. The reamer for the loop type plugs is pretty spendy. Not sure if there is one on the tool rental list.

Also verify with a meter that the plugs are always off with the gorilla knob in the run position.

How do I check that..... Just a simple voltage test?

Yes. Connect a voltmeter to the glow plug circuit. Rig up the meter so you can see it through the windshield. Pull the knob to the glow position, meter should show voltage. Release the knob to the run position, voltage should go off every time. Basically, checking to make sure that the spring tension pulls the knob far enough that the voltage always goes off when the knob is released.

That is what I figured...Thanks....

give yourself an early Xmas gift and spring for a set of the "new style" GPs, you wont regret it, they make a BIG difference in starting.