Manual Glow Plugs

[BIGDAVET86]

I have a 95 gq ute that is only used on weekends now and i am going to put a manual switch on for the glow plugs. The glow plug controller is rooted and its like the third one ive been through so im just gonna piss it off entirely. I cant see any problems with this and will just glow it for 4 or 5 seconds, maybe a bit more if its real clod and start it. I know the controller drops the plugs in and out after start up but it wont do it any harm with out the controller will it?
I already know how im gonna wire it up, a switch powered through the ignition circuit and then to the existing relay, removing the controller entirely. Using a spring loaded switch.

Cheers
Dave

[nicbeer]

u could also use a small circuit to controll the timing.

i know the timer IC 555 could be adapted pretty easy for this with a rotary switch for the delay time needed.

[chimpboy]

u could also use a small circuit to controll the timing.

i know the timer IC 555 could be adapted pretty easy for this with a rotary switch for the delay time needed.

I agree.

I am surprised how hard it is to find a cheap but good time delay relay though. I wonder how much these are: http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedProdu ... TDR/6853/0

[festy]

A momentary switch through the original relay will work fine.

[Dooley]

Maybe a picaxe or just the PIC equivalent ?

That can easily do the timing, could even do the job of the controller, but I'm not entirely sure what that is...

I'm wondering as well why so many have died.

But anyway, do you know what the controller is actually doing and what the wires going to it are for ?

From a quick google, some are just timers, some have temperature or voltage sensors to decide when to turn them on and off...

If the controller just get's logic level signal to turn the plugs on or off that would be nice and easy.

[MightyMouse]

Simple switch and relay... they do draw a lot of current so make sure its appropriately sized.

Not quite as cool as timers etc, but for yonks before electronics that's all many engines used and it worked well.

You will soon get the hang of it.

[GeneralFubashi]

just like the old bj40 with the coil on the dash which hilariously burns the curious finger of first time drivers.

[pongo]

my MK patrol is able to be manually glowed by turning the ign key half way between run and start. My controller is non existant thanks to crap factory wiring plugs.

Has any one tried this on a gq to see if it does the same. May save you an afternoon of effort

[BIGDAVET86]

jeez so many replies so quickly, the controller keeps dying cos i keep getting it wet, cant be arsed moving it, and winter is gettting closer so its gonna get wetter, so getting rid of it is the next best thing. I used to work on a kimberly cattle station so i know that 45's used to have manual glow, in the ignition barrel. The controller has a sensor in the thermostat housing and drops the plugs in and out as it sees fit untill operating temp is found, but mine are currently dopping in and out all the time and its shit, even in 3rd up bindoon hill, stingin it at 3500rpm the glow plugs come on!!!
I have tried cleaning the circuit borad and no dice, have also cleaned the plugs and same deal, no good.

I will use the existing relay, cos its only getting signal from controller anyway, and i have tested it and it works fine and i have some momentary switches or a momentary push button if i can find the room to mount it.

Cheers
Dave