Thanks for your responses guys.

Just got in from testing the glow plugs and found #3 is not working. I took the glow plug out and tested it with the charger.......neg. cable to the threaded part,... then touching the pos. cable to the brass stud the wire attaches to, and it does not light up. I have exhausted all the glow plugs from my spare motor so will have to rob the 1980 300TD. The other plugs were.06-.08 ohms and an audible signal from the meter.

I tested the relay/timer and I get 12v at each side of the strip fuse ...I get twelve volts at the main power stud... and get 12v at each pin from the larger plug that leads to each of the glow plug wires. It seems to be working with the key turned to the glow position detent. I could also hear the clunk that whunter talked about.

Yes... its cold alright....yesterday I had to spray wd-40 into the ignition key to get it to turn. The day before I would take off my mit to turn the key and steam would rise from my hand and I presume to condensate in the igniton making it difficult to turn the next day (yesterday). Or maybe just a warm key into a cold lock was enough to condensate in there?

I changed the diff. a few years ago on the '80 TD in these temps. and my main problem was trying to see what I was doing through the fog of my own breath. The little things you don't think of usually....seem to get you when it is this cold.

I do have a battery blanket on the newer battery that keeps it warm. I also have a magnetic oil pan heater that I have not tried yet. I do have 5w-40 synthetic in there. The block heater quit so I was scared to remove it and put the bottom rad hose unit in. I now think a Real block heater would be much better.

I had used a small propane torch to warm up the hard lines going from the fuel pump to the injectors.

I only have one electrical circuit on that side of the house so I have to choose how many power devices I can use or it will trip the GFI. recepticle.

As it is, I have a battery blanket...a battery charger and the lower coolant rad hose heater plugged in.

To keep the fuel warm I use the propane torch on the hard lines......I read about heating the metal fuel filter so I will try that after the new glow plug is in.

I am warmed up now so...out I go in search of a good glow plug.

I was wondering if having a bad glow plug on #3 would cause #4&5 to not work... essentially trying to start with only #1 & #2 glow plugs working?

Thanks again.