| GLOW PLUG PROBLEMS
All indirect injection diesel engines utilise a cold start device which usually is a glow plug system. [most indirect injection systems utilise a precombustion chamber in the cylinder head and pintle type injector nozzle.]
If this type of engine is hard to start then the glow plug system should be checked and tested.
The simplest test is to remove glow plugs and establish whether the glow plug is open circuit. This can be done using a multimeter. Note each glow plug has a continuity reading which is usually expressed in ohms. Also each glow plug application has its own specification. To check the glow plug for continuity connect multimeter leads between voltage supply terminal and earth. You will receive a reading if glow plug is operational. If no reading then the glow plug is open circuit and should be replaced.
If the above test shows your glow plugs are operational then the following should be checked
- supply to glow plugs/wiring circuits
- glow plug relay/timer
- ignition switch
Physical damage to the glow plug may indicate the following
- tip breakage could be due to chronic detonation [overfueling] or injection timing fault.
- a melted or blistered tip could be due to a control circuitry fault.
Important - manufacturers specifications must be adhered to.
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