So I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of july... Got done lighting off fireworks tonight and went to go home, immedietly noticed something not normal when I went to use the manual glow plug switch on my 240D. It was not fuctioning normally something in the switch broke and my glowplugs would not glow, therefore my car would not start.
So tomorrow I will look to get another switch in the morning but need to know what to buy and where to look. I know the switch is very simple, I just push it to one side and it connects 12v from the battery to my plugs I think this type of plug is called "single throw" but am not sure? I also think I need to find one with a high amp rating but am not sure?

Thanks in advance for the help and advice, need to get this fixed tomorrow if possible...

I did something similar to this:
http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=28

Glow-plug switch (to the solenoid) is on a switched Positive, with an indicator light to finish the install.

push the button, and count to 10...works like a charm

very inexpensive if you source the parts yourself.

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toyota fj40 landcruiser with a mercedes om617 3.0L turbo diesel

You ought to give the year and chassis number of your Car.
The reason; Mercedes has at least 3 different types systems that use the loop/filament type Glow Plugs.

Also is your Glow Plug Switch stock?
If it is not stock the information you are looking for is on the Switch itself.

Do some internet shopping as they might sell the real switch at a reasonable price.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Sounds to me like he has an aftermarket switch. Did MB's ever have an OE glowplug switch which was activated by a side to side movement? If it's an aftermarket set up you need to figure out if the switch you are using is carrying all the amperage to the plugs or if it is activating a relay. If it's activating a relay, then any small switch is probably adequate. I'd prefer a push button kind. But if all the current is going through the switch on the dash, then you'll need a heavy duty switch rated for the amount of amperage that the glow plugs draw.
If on the other hand, you are looking for an OE switch, click on Buyparts on the top of this page.

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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

It is a 1979 240D.

The manual glow switch was installed by the previous owner, it is not stock.

There is no relay, just a switch that puts 12 volts to the plugs when pushed to the side.

If possible I would like to just replace the switch that went out with a heavy duty switch that can handle the amps, but if push comes to shove will install a relay with a switch.

thanks...

Wouldn't something like this work? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3125353#

Its only 4.00 and I will even have enough money left to buy a fire extinguisher

Or this one?

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Switch-5RLV9

a standard starter-solenoid, along with a momentary switch will provide for a much cleaner installation.

It will also allow you to move that fire extinguisher where it belongs...in the trunk :p

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toyota fj40 landcruiser with a mercedes om617 3.0L turbo diesel

It's rated for 50 amps. How much does your glow system draw? Pencil plugs have an 80amp fuse. Can't remember what the loop plug fuse is rated.

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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

I would NOT simply put a switch in line with the glow plug feed wire. That's pulling A LOT of amps. The safe way is to install a plain old starter solenoid (around $12) inline with the glow plug wiring and install a momentary "normally open" switch that will activate the solenoid. I just completed this for my 6.2L diesel van and it works like a charm. Be advised: if you've got little to no experience working on things of this nature then have someone else who does execute the job.

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Tony
(Actually, a member since 2000)

Thats about the set up I use in my 79 240, Ford truck solenoid, 15 amp push button switch installed right above my left knee. I went through the panel close to where it meets the dash. That way you can crank the car over while glowing. Its wired through the GP light and a 80 amp strip fuse was used to replace the 50amp original. Working fine for the last 7-8 years.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"