I have a 79 TD wagon non turbo when you turn the key to on position the glow plugs are not getting any power. what's going on?

Check the strip fuse. I believe on your car it's on the firewall, kind of in the center of the car. But it could also be on the driver's wheel well towards the front of the car. If it looks okay use a ohm meter and measure the resistance. There should be VERY little resistance if any at all.

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Check the strip fuse. You should have series glowplugs and I think the strip fuse is on the firewall behind the engine. A wire goes from it to the number 5 plug.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Yep, and since they are in series. If one plug burns out, then the whole circuit is dead.

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Sonny


86 190D N/A 2.5L Auto 265k "Ruby" -Sold-
79 300D 242k "Condi" my first -sold- RIP
2013 chevy sonic hatchback - had to for work

Are you checking the volts at the #5 glow plug or is the light in the dash not comming on. If it's the light the bulb could be burned out.

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the dash light is not coming on and there is no voltage at the strip fuse.

http://dieselgiant.com/mercedesdieselloopglowplugrepair.htm

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Sonny


86 190D N/A 2.5L Auto 265k "Ruby" -Sold-
79 300D 242k "Condi" my first -sold- RIP
2013 chevy sonic hatchback - had to for work

thanks SLarson 80 that helped me out a lot