To continue the cold weather/starting/glow plug theme on the board, I contribute this question:

After replacing 3 out of 5 glow plugs, my engine refuses to turn over and has no juice left in the battery. Would changing said glow plugs hasten the end of a weak battery?

I tried to jump the battery, but it did no good. I will head out to get a new battery tomorrow, but should I be wary of the starter as well?

The car is relatively new to me, so I don't know how old the battery was (or the glow plugs for that matter). Other threads seem to recommend getting the Duralast battery--my car probably won't last another five years--any other thoughts?

Thanks,

Alex
85 300sd 221k

1.Replacing Glow plugs will not "Kill" batteries.
(could you have disconnected something in your endeavors?)
Empirical approach would be:
1. check electrolyte level in battery
2. charge battery overnight (with a fully automatic charger)
3. load test battery in A.M. ('might take it to AutoZone, Etc. for free test)
4. check electrical connections in Battery/Alternator/Stater/Engine systems
for "clean" / "dry" / "tight"...don't forget the grounding (Negative) strap
from the engine to the chassis.
5. locate and check the glow system fuse on the lefthand wheelhouse under
the hood.(it can have an invisible hairline crack that prevents "glow".
See if the charged battery will activate the starter to turn the engine over.

If a properly charged battery ,with good connections will not activate the
starter,I would look at it with an evil eye...try whacking the Starter body,
not the Bendix,with a light hammer,while cranking.If you get action then,
it may be the starter.

All of this assumes no problem with the mechanical or electrical portions of
the ignition switch.

Most of the national auto parts stores will charge your battery free... However some of them will tell you that you have a weak battery or that you need to replace the battery... the electrolyte test is the best... Jim

__________________
James A. Harris

1. I thought I checked everything at least twice in reconnecting that which I took apart. I will double check in the morning.
2. I'll check that.
3. I don't have an automatic charger (or any charger for that matter).
4. Without the charger, I can't do a load test, right?
5. I will definitely go through my electrical connections again--especially at the starter.
6. the fuse seems to fine according to my voltage measurements on both sides of the fuse.

I didn't think it was a starter issue because I was not getting the click, click without turning over. It tried to turn over and wouldn't the first time and then it got progressively weaker until . . . nothing.

Thanks,

Alex