Glow plug time? (1 Viewer)

[PeterC]

I live in So Cal and I just realized that I wasn't using my glow plugs at all.
I thought it worked like it does in my truck (I know the truck doesn't use glow plugs but I thought the sequence might be the same), I was wrong.
I noticed that the ignition had a "glow" position on it. So by turning the key backwards I am engaging the glow plugs.
There is a light that comes on after a while (actually a resistor that eventually lights) is that when the plugs are warm enough?
It does seem to start a little better now although it wasn't bad before.

Thanks in advance,

PeterC

 

[cruiser_guy]

You'll need to specify the truck you have. Not all work the same way.

 

[PeterC]

OH- BJ 41 with a 2B.
Thanks

 

[cruiser_guy]

Yours glows as long as you hold the key in the "Glow" position. In the cold (skiing in Tahoe) maybe 20-30 seconds, in SoCal maybe just the time for the glow resistor to come on.

My truck is timed and I let it go through two timed cycles when it's cold (less than 0 F) otherwise one cycle is sufficient.

 

[Henry James the 47th]

The factory engine manual suggests "15-30 seconds" for the slow-heating type of glow plugs. On the lder systems there is a 'glow plug controller' which is a light that comes on after the glow plugs have reached the right temperature. The controller is a coiled wire in back with a perforated mesh light cover on front.

 

[PeterC]

Thanks

I found out about the coil the other day. I thought the hole was for the alarm bell that goes off when I go over 100km. Glad to see that I do have the light.
It does seem to start better early in the morning, now that I am using the glow plugs.
Thanks all for your answers.

PeterC