difficulty starting ..and its not that cold yet

[rustybucket]

Had the same issue last winter. 3B motor. What voltage should be at the glow plugs? Current? I now have a low 60 amp current probe. So now can check current at the glow plugs.

Also, is there a adjustment at the IP that can be changed for winter driving?

I need to borrow a diesel cylinder pressure gauge. Anyone who lives in the lower mainland of Vancouver BC have one, to do a quick check on site?

 

[cruiser_guy]

Step one, pull the bar that connects all glow plugs and check each plug individually for continuity.

Voltage varies depending on model and year of vehicle. If voltage varies so does amperage.

 

[bj40green]

Depending on model and glow system your plugs should be .....Volts.
Have a look at this thread: -► What plugs should I be running b-2b-3b-h-2h-diesels

Rudi

 

[rustybucket]

Normal start RPM's yet, 8 volts on the Dash volt meter

I have not yet worked on my truck, and another work day starting it. This time it was really tough getting it started. One thing I really noticed, was the low voltage that was being put out by the batteries at 8 volts. Starter / engine rpms normal for the truck trying to start.

Typically, batter should not go below 10 volts under a load. But this voltage wories me and will test with my fluke volt meter in the morning.

The glow light stays on for about a second. I have never really timed it, but how many seconds should the glow light be on for a bj60 3b motor?

Will go out, and ohm out the glow plugs. I think they are 12 volt glow plugs. This is a 12 volt dual batteries on the truck.

 

[cruiser_guy]

The glow light stays on for about a second. I have never really timed it, but how many seconds should the glow light be on for a bj60 3b motor?

Will go out, and ohm out the glow plugs. I think they are 12 volt glow plugs. This is a 12 volt dual batteries on the truck.

The duration of the glow light varies on ambient temperature and coolant temperature.

Depends on the year of the truck. Some Canadian BJ60's are 12v plugs most are 6v plugs. Some owners modify the 6v Super glow system to use 12v plugs.

One cannot assume anything. Based on what you have just said I would also be suspect of the wiring system to the glow plugs. You might have a dirty connection or a connection that is getting corroded. Have someone measure the voltage at the glow plugs AT THE SAME TIME as you try your first start of the day. https://forum.ih8mud.com/showpost.php?p=8729313&postcount=45

 

[rustybucket]

Okay what about current draw?

I have a current probe. A quick check and it would tell me if its four plugs working or less without disassembly.

 

[cruiser_guy]

I have a current probe. A quick check and it would tell me if its four plugs working or less without disassembly.

Nope!! Current will vary with volts, sorry!!

Besides the point above most but not all current probes are AC only. DC current probes are relatively uncommon and reasonably expensive.

 

[bj40green]

Don't know what you understand under a "probe" but my AC / DC Amp clamp meter is relatively cheap. USD 25.


But don't confuse it with an AC clamp meter which is very common on Digital Multi Meters like this one. This an AC Volts, DC Volts, ohms and AC Amp meter.


The plugs on a 3B with a "Super Glow" glow system are the 6V type.
Voltage and current varies during the glow process because the Glow Controller regulates the whole process. Current varies between 6 and 12 Amps per glow plug.
That makes between 24 and 48 Amps in total. These values are for the old school type plugs. If you have modern "energy efficient" glow plugs the current can be 25% less.
More info on plugs, voltages and how and what in the thread I mentioned before.

Rudi

 

[rustybucket]

Mine is a automotive specific DC current probe rated up to 60 amps.

 

[rustybucket]

I think long ago, I installed 12 volt glow plugs on my bj60. I will get under the hood now to see what I have. Also, will do a current check. To bad I do not have a DSO to record the duration and current amount of the rail.Just have to use a watch.

 

[FF LC FREAK]

Well, if you have 12 volt plugs (which would most likely be 8.5V or 10.5V) in place of 6 volt plugs, you've found your problem. The higher voltage plugs won't get hot enough quick enough for your starting system. Check the thread Rudi mentioned and ensure you have the proper plugs.

 

[rustybucket]

I am sure I have 12 volt models.

Here is the probe I use for other customer vehicles. Good article on doing measurements.
http://www.atraonline.com/gears/2005/2005-08/2005_08_04.pdf

 

[FF LC FREAK]

But, if you have the superglow system, you need 6 volt plugs.

 

[cruiser_guy]

But, if you have the superglow system, you need 6 volt plugs.

That's what I've been trying to say! Number of batteries, voltage of vehicle electrical system and all that cannot tell us what glow plugs you should have. Reading the amps will not necessarily tell you if all glow plugs are operational though it will tell you if some are.

Basically if everything is Canadian market OEM then an '81 model BJ60 uses 12v plugs (really 10.5v) and the '82 and up BJ60 uses 6v plugs as they have the Superglow system. The BJ40/42 are different again.

The OP must give us more info before we can really be of much help.

 

[bj40green]

I am sure I have 12 volt models.
Here is the probe I use for other customer vehicles. Good article on doing measurements.
http://www.atraonline.com/gears/2005...2005_08_04.pdf

12V plugs are for a "Wilson switch" set up.
Wilson switch = manual glow and counting the seconds.

Nice Amp clamp!

But, if you have the superglow system, you need 6 volt plugs.

Yep. As I said before.

The OP must give us more info before we can really be of much help.

We're getting there slowly.


Rudi

 

[rustybucket]

I do notice with the amp clamp on, the meter shows amps drawn then...back to zero in

Back to zero in three seconds. Relay kicks on, then nothing after 2-3 seconds. is this normal? Also, source of 3b 6 volt glow plugs out of the states? plugs up here are pricy.

 

[bj40green]

Hi Rusty,

In the "Super Glow" system, the computer regulates the time and current to the glow plugs. These decisions are made by the coolant temperature sensor and the glow current sensor. We don't have the easy answers for you here.
Please read the recommended thread and learn how this system works.
Why the light lits up only for a second, why the relay(s) click and nothing happens, why, why and why.
Start with the correct 6V glow plugs. Wrong plugs is wrong computer results is wrong glow procedure that results in bad/difficult starting.
Do you put in 24V light bulbs in your 12V truck and the ask yourself why the lights are dim?

Rudi

 

[cruiser_guy]

Glow plugs can be purchased from a diesel shop as well. Bring an old one or use the part number in the parts thread.

Like Rudi says, start with step one, the right parts installed.

6v plugs are correct IF you have a Canadian market BJ60 which is an '82 or newer model and has NOT been modified with a Wilson switch. Please confirm with us which model and year truck we're helping you with and whether or not it has been modified.

 

[rustybucket]

yes, 84 bj60 3b motor

I was also going to pull the old ones out, and see how hot they get with my ir temp gun. BTW, When I did the current check, I did not turn the probe around to check if the polarity was correct on the pickup point.

I might as well put the probe around each glow plug to see if its drawing current and if one or more are not, I know which ones to replace.

 

[Moe R]

u could try glowing the plugs like 8 times and then try starting it. Or, you could get 6V plugs. I 2 had the wrong plugs (10.5V). I switched to 6v and voila. Starts like a charm.