240D - no voltage to GPs

[frictionshifter]

After a week of testing out the battery and starter, I am still struggling to get my 1979 240D to start. The starter is rebuilt (by a reputable local shop) and the battery is new.

Still no start.

After this whole ordeal, as well as testing and rewiring the GPs, a proper 50-amp fuse installed (the PO had pencil style GPs, old wiring, and no fuse), and cleaning ground wires, no start!

After attempting to start I go under the hood and notice there is absolutely nothing happening with the GPs. I can touch them; they are not even warm. I've tested for continuity, but when the key is in the ignition to glow the plugs, there is a most 1-2 volt current in those plugs.

What else can I troubleshoot? I'm starting to pull my hair out, especially considering it had no problems before I changed GP wires, added a fuse, and put in new return lines.

[psaboic]

Mercedes Diesel Glow Plug Repair or

Mercedes Diesel Glow Plug Repair

[Diseasel300]

As I mentioned in your starter solenoid thread, check your engine ground strap. If your engine is not bonded to the battery negative, you will not measure any voltage at the glow plugs due to an incomplete current path.

You can test the theory easily enough. Turn the key to preglow and measure voltage from the glow plug terminals to the battery negative post. If you measure voltage there, but no voltage from plug to the block, you have no connection between block and battery.

[vwnate1]

Great "K.I.S.S.Advice/tip there .