85 300SD 270K

two winters ago had new glow plugs and relay installed... seems now you get a kit (plugs and relay) and it says the relay stays on for up to 3 minutes.

i find when starting car that while the preglow is occuring, the battery current goes down to about 11.5, then when car starts, current stays about 12.2 until a few minutes later when current goes up to almost 14.

my other car, 84 300SD doesn't seem to have the delay. the current goes up to 13.8 almost immediately upon starting car but i haven't replaced relay so i presume it still has original in in it.

could the extended time the relay is on account for problems keeping the battery charged? i seem to have to replace the battery every year or so on the '85. when the key is off there is no current drain as i tested with my multimeter between the negative terminal and cable.

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R Martin
Dallas, TX (Addison)

86 560SEL, 128K