Sometimes the glow light comes on and with about 5 sec. of glow, the engine starts perfectly. Other times, the glow light does not come on and the engine won't fire at all. The problem seems to be directly related to tempurature.

Right now it is mid 20's here in Idaho and the car just started great, even with poor cranking power. If it was 10 degrees, the glow light would not come on and it would not start.

I am thinking about replacing the temp sensor in the head that is part of the glow system. Can anybody confirm or deny the likelihood (sp) that this is causing the problem? The sensor is not expensive, but if I can save $15 that would be nice.

I'd first check the strip fuse. They are known to crack and conduct intermittently. Never heard of a temperature sensor causing those kinds of glow problems.

__________________
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

I have recently changed the strip fuse. I had the problem before replacing it as well. I changed the strip fuse and holder recently when I converted to the pencil glow plugs. I have also seen the problem with the old and new style plugs. It really seems to be related to temp, is there anything else you can think of that would be come and go with cold weather? Thanks for your help.

Bad connection. In the ignition switch??

__________________
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

I suppose the cold weather could be a coincidence. I will do some more troubleshooting and see if I can narrow it down. Thanks again for your help.

not sure about your setup but i had a similar problem with my SD.
i took the relay apart and used a flat file to clean off the contacts inside. it's been great since.
good luck.
roberto

__________________
1985 300SD
1998 Jetta TDI
Previous: lots of diesel VW's, MB's, KW's, Pete, Freightliner


Walking isn't a lost art: one must, by some means, get to the garage.

Are you talking about cleaning the pins and sockets where the relay plugs in or something actually inside of the relay?

i actually have the exact same problem on my 83sd...i took apart the relay and cleaned the connectors with a bit of sand paper and it seemed to help out...too bad i already had a new relay on order...i'll prolly replace it anyway

Cold weather=metal contraction=broken connection.

__________________
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

Kerry,

I wondered the same thing. Maybe the strip fuse is busted and is expanding contracting. I will check it tomorrow, I am too lazy right now.

Thanks everyone.

I was thinking more inside the ignition switch. My TD does it in cold weather in the 'Start' position sometime.

__________________
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

Did you hear your glow plug relay click? Is so, good chance it's funky contacts in the power relay in the glow plug controller. Clean it up with sand paper and see if that helps. I had this problem in my other diesel and sanding the contacts fixed it. It's also happening to my 300D (a few days ago- been very cold here also) and I will try the sanding trick again.

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Try the DIY forum. I heard jbach36 wrote yet another great article, about glow plugs, though different model from yours.

jbach36