Glow Plug Problem

[bus63kombi]

Ok I have a 1984 M1009 CUCV, It is a kick ass truck, Runs great but when you start it when it is cold is when it gets fun. I tested the Plugs and all 8 are at around 1.4 ohms, So I tested to see if there was voltage coming to the plugs, and nothing, So a friend gave me another relay and I put it in, and still nothing, The top red wire gets 24 volts, the bottom orange when gets nothing when the key is on and it says it is glowing, Where do the two smaller center wires go? And what should I look at now?
Thanks

 

[mangus580]

Glow plug controller under the dash is probably shot. Another member here has been testing repairs on them. If you are interested, send me the controller and I can attempt to fix it. (I dont have a bad one to work on, and the other member worked on his himself)

 

[bus63kombi]

Ok next question is where is the controller. What does it look like?

 

[mangus580]

its up under the dash, near the steering column. From what I understand, its a circuit board type card that might have a black plastic box around it, maybe 1" high by 3" wide, by 3-4 in the other direction (wire end to opposite end)

 

[bus63kombi]

Ok, i found it, Doesn't look to be anything wrong with it, like burn circuits or anything. I would need to figure out how to test it to see if that was it. But I am going to see if I can get one out of my friends parts 1009 and see if that works

 

[mangus580]

That is the most common problem with the glow plug system on teh CUCV's From what I understand, its actually pretty rare to find a good one these days. You can test the glow plug relay by determining which of the 2 small terminals are ground, and supply voltage to the other one. Dont leave them connected for more than about 5 seconds, as you dont want to fry your GP's.

Also dont use ether as a starting fluid! (just a warning) use pure silicone spray instead.

 

[bus63kombi]

I am thinking for now, Since it is nice when the plugs work right, To just wire in a swith for to switch on the relay. I think that would work for now

 

[mangus580]

That will work, but I would suggest changing the glow plugs out then, with 'self limiting' ones, so you dont (or someone else) leave them on too long, and swell the plugs. It is a nightmare getting sweleld plugs out. check out www.ssdieselsupply.com (think thats the link) for self limiting ones.

 

[bus63kombi]

Thank you very much. You have been a huge help with me adventures with this wonderful vehicle. See this is a jump for me, I restore VW's, I so far have 6 old aircoolers, but I love this truck.
O one other thing. What temp does the engine run at. After the thermostat opens.
Thanks again

 

[mangus580]

Most experts say 200 is perfect...

 

[bus63kombi]

Ok cool, i need to figure out if I can run this tubing to my heated tank in the back, Cause its heat limit at 80PSI is 200.

 

[mangus580]

what are you heating?

 

[bus63kombi]

Veggie Oil

 

[mangus580]

gotcha...

if your tubing is rated for 200 degrees, 80 PSI, you should be fine. Your cooling system shouldnt generate more than around 15 PSI I think.

do you run your truck for long periods of time? or would biodiesel be better?

 

[bus63kombi]

Yeah my normal commute is about 20 mins to an hour, I put 500 miles on my truck in the first week and half I had the truck. Right now I am running a blend of diesel and Veggie oil in the tank, But I want a heated tank for this winter and to run 100% and eventually I will be running Bio and Veggie.

 

[mangus580]

for running 100% veggie, you will need a startup tank as well, I am sure you are aware...

 

[bus63kombi]

yeah, My diesel tank will be the start up.

 

[bus63kombi]

YAY, its fixed, My truck now glows, I bought a new GM control card for the truck, and it works. Just thought I would let you know

 

[mangus580]

How much did it cost you? Was it an exact plug in for the military model?

 

[bus63kombi]

It cost me 102, List pric is like 148. But I got it at my friends price. So it is nice, I glows now.