79 SD GlowPlugs Check?

Having resolved the Vac. Sys. difficulties, I now need to move on to the plugs. The GP light flashes after start and while idling. I learned from this board that this indicates one or more bad plugs. I have also found on this board instructions for checking/changing plugs on 82 and later models. Question, finally, is the procedure the same for the 79?

[rickjordan]

I own an '80 SD. The check out is very simple, all you need is a basic meter. Unplug the connector that goes to the glowplugs. You'll find this on the relay box. Now for the SDs of this era there are 7 wires coming out of this connector, so the trick is to know which ones actually go to which glowplug. Looking at the unplugged connector, the top left "plug" and all the ones on the right side are for the glowplugs. The top left one is #1, top right is #2 then down from there. Now take a meter and measure the resistence of each plug. Hold one meter lead to ground and the other in each of the "plugs" . Any resistence of more than .5 ohms denotes a glowplug on it's way out. Actually if the resistence is infinite, then that plug is completely burnt out. Hope this helps.

One plug counting from the radiator or from the firewall?

[rickjordan]

#1 cylinder is at the front of the engine, towards the radiator. I noticed you are located in North Central Jersey, where abouts? I am in the Air Force stationed at McGuire AFB, exit 7 of the turnpike.

We're in Far Hills, Bernardsville area, near where 287 & 78 intersect.