Hey everybody nice forum you have here! My name is G.J. and I just bought a 1984 diesel suburban 4x4. I know nothing about diesel motors so if anybody has any suggestions I`m all ears. I have read alot about the glow system failures and I understand that wiring a switch or button to manually ignite the glowplugs is the way to go. My question is, is there a tech article or book that takes you through this procedure? I live in Mexico and the temps here are never under 65 degrees so what kind of glow plugs are best for heat. Also what oil is best for hot temps? Is the filter seperater adaquite(sp) for questionable fuel? The clutch is out on the AC compressor am I better off just buying a new comp? Also it came with the extra heater and I would like to make it the extra AC is this possible? Lots and lots of ??? That`ll do for now thanks you all. Later G.J.

For youre weight of oil I run dello 400 and use the 15/40 weight no matter what brand you use. Yes you can unhook youre glow plugs and hook them to a toggle switch. I have done that. You don't always need youre glow plugs and you can make them last a long time by doing that. As far as youre ac pump goes you would be better off to buy a new compressor. Them are a large pain to change the clutch in. I am not sure of anywhere that would tell you how to wire youre glowplugs to a switch. You should be able to ask anyone who knows anything. It is not that hard to figure out. There is a relay on the fender well of youre vehicle. You can start by unplugging the wire there and figuring out which one goes to the ignition switch with a test light and get it unhooked and into a toggle switch and operate it manualy.


try that.

Just wanted to throw in a warning though. The relay system is designed to shut off the glow plugs after a certain amount of time so that they do not burn up. If you manually control them, but forget to turn em off, they will burn up and there is a possibility of the tips actually melting off and falling into your pre-chamber (head). For me , being absent minded sometimes, it is better to keep the factory system in good working order.


Good luck.


Jeff

The best way to do the manual system is the way its set up on my blazer. Hook a momentary contact pushbutton switch and mount it on the lower part of the dash. You have to HOLD it in for the glow plugs to have power to them, as soon as you let go, no more power. The controller cards are known for frying and leaving the glow plugs energized, and they swell, a pain to remove. Put a pushbutton on it, glow it for 10-15 seconds, and 20 seconds in very cold weather. If it fails to start, wait 30-60 seconds, and try glowing again. The manual system is the way to go, just do it right the first time!





Caleb, 84 M1009

Up grade to 60G plugs which have better life and can handle extended glow periods, early plugs 9G can swell when overheated, and a real PITA to get out of the block. For fuel I'd highly recommend a frame mounted filter prior to ther fuel pump 10 or 20 micron Racor or similar, with a DP switch or gauge to let you know when it gets plugged maybe even water alarm if water is a problem in your localle, this will keep the on engine filter cleaner longer, also the aqua block element will keep water separated from the engine better.