Guys,

Just wondering if anyone has run a switch to shut off the glow plug controller in the summer time when its not really needed. Friends with the Furds turn them off in the summer as they are not needed, just wondering if anyone has done it for the 6.5?

In 80 and 90 degree heat.. I dont need the controller cycling and pulling the power for no reason...

Pete

This seems like a good place to ask this question as well is it normal for the GP's to cycle off/on, mine does it 3 times in a row (only when engine is cold) boy does it ever draw down the volt meter. Sorry if I've Hi-jacked this thread

Good question. I am curious as well. What does everyone think of this?

I believe the SES light will come on if it fails to see the glows work. When one of my posts melted down on my controller, it still actually worked, but since current was not making it to the glows themselves, the SES light came on.

If you had a "fake out" circuit that would keep the SES light off.

Afterglow is what most call the time shortly after start up where you get wait to start after its running. Normal operation its suppose to help even out all cylinders and make the truck driveable as quickly as possible.

The glows help it start quickly and easily I don't think its good to not use them unless the engine is still real warm.

Some people rig up a manual controller circuit use quick heats and adjust glow time as to suit personal preference.

I have by-passed the controller on my '85 Sub 6.2 with a self centering toggle switch. I only use the glow plugs when I have to (cold starts).

Pre 1993, I believe you can just unplug the controller, no need for a switch. Keep it simple.

HH,

I have a 98...

I usually durning warm weather forget about waiting to start.. truck turns right over... no need to heat the cylinder as its not that cold...

I have a good friend with a 7.3.. he shut down his controller may or so.. and then turns it back on in the fall.. again.. no need to waits the controller...

Thought someone would have have followed suit... or heard about it

Pete :grd:

Why would you want to turn the plugs off?

I would want to turn them off as I dont need them in warm months. No need to expend the drain on the electrical system if I do not need too.
Glow plugs are only needed for a cold start.
Pete

Is the drian that bad on your electrical system? The only reason I ask is I have a 94 with 216,000+ miles and glow plug are used all year around and never caused a problem with my electrical system. I understand controlling them so they stay on longer while it's cold out, but not turning them off cause it's warm. I must have missed something.

I jumpered the controller on my 6.2 because I was having controller and glow plug problems. The controller would stick and burn the plugs out and $80 a whack for a controller and $120 for plugs was getting steep. But, that was before the newer plugs and I haven't changed back. I haven't burnt any plugs out since about '97 either. I'm sure you have reasons for doing what you want to do. The possibility is there.

Blazer,

No the drain on the system more than normal.. as far as turning them off .... well here is something I found that might help the picture


The diesel engine has no spark plugs. The air it takes in is compressed and the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder where the heat caused by the air compression ignites the fuel.

When a diesel engine is cold, the air compression may not raise the air to a high enough temperature to ignite the fuel. The glow plug is an electric heater that glows red-hot and helps to ignite the fuel when the engine is cold so that the engine can start

At 80 or 90 degrees this is not an issue... so no reason to waste the energy if I can prevent it.


or just maybe this thought has not made it over to the GM guys yet from Furd people...



Pete
Pete