MEP003A glow plug conversion to 12Volt

[Ray70]

I know this is an old post. but............ I was wondering that since most are using two 12 v batteries, could you convert the plugs to 12v, run a circuit (12v) to the plugs, add a switch and heat em up from that switch. Thoughts................?????

You absolutely could. Just pull your 12V off 1 battery instead of 2. In fact you could most likely utilize the current glow plug solenoid and simply run a new feed to it that draws 12V from 1 battery instead of drawing 24V from the terminal strip as it currently does. That would also keep the original functionality of the glow plugs at start main switch.

I would have to consult the wiring diagram to confirm, but I think that would work just fine.

 

[DieselAddict]

Wouldn’t it be better to run the 12v glow plugs in a series setup? Two in series and the two pairs in parallel? keeps everything 24v from the supply.

 

[Light in the Dark]

The greater question.... why? Is the stock setup no longer working? I would think better time and money spent would be to get the original configuration working properly.

 

[billypop]

The greater question.... why? Is the stock setup no longer working? I would think better time and money spent would be to get the original configuration working properly.

I agree but with all the comments on no 24v plugs not being available, I thought this might be an easy solution to warming her up. It beats buying a transformer.

 

[billypop]

Wouldn’t it be better to run the 12v glow plugs in a series setup? Two in series and the two pairs in parallel? keeps everything 24v from the supply.

not sure I quite understand this.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Are you trying to source plugs for an 003? Which style in the machine are you looking for?

 

[billypop]

Are you trying to source plugs for an 003? Which style in the machine are you looking for?

I am not. Reading this post and seeing there isn't a good supply of 24v plugs, thought this might be an alternative for those seeking a solution. Mine work just fine.

 

[Light in the Dark]

I'd have to refresh myself via the TM on the wiring schematic, but the LPW2/4 glow plugs in the 80x series are 12V, wired in series like the batteries, for this application. Probably a similar setup on these from memory.

 

[Ray70]

Actually on the 002 / 003 I believe it would be impossible to wire in series because the ground is through the cylinder head.
On the 002/003 intake heaters the ground is isolated, allowing them to be wires in series. Same thing with the LPW2/LPW4 intake heaters, they are grounded using ground wires, not the body of the plug, thereby allowing series connections.
I can't think of any easy way to wire the glow plugs in the 002/003 in series.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Cant always trust memory. Thanks for the right info Ray.

 

[Ray70]

Not a problem.... Unfortunately I also made an error earlier myself.
I had mentioned that running a 12V feed to the solenoid off 1 battery might be the best option, however, I forgot that doing so will send 12V to the intake heaters which are already in series.... resulting in 6V per heater.
You would also need to switch the intake heaters from series to parallel wiring, which would be very simple, so that they get 12V each.

Best bet is to pray for a find of cheap CH42's to come available!
I am out of spares as well and should stock up.