Mastering the Art of Upgrading Your Glow Plug System
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Confusion
- The Differences Between Videos and Forums
- The Importance of Choosing the Right Solenoid
- Avoiding Grounding Out on Mounting Points
- Explaining the Power Wire
- Constant 12 Volts from the Battery
- Connecting the Glow Plugs
- The Pink Wire with a Black Tracer
- The Glow Plug Controller and Blue Wire
- Wiring Up a Manual Switch
- The Benefits of a Manual Glow Plug Controller
🎯 Introduction
Have you ever been frustrated by the lack of clarity in YouTube tutorials and forum discussions? It's not uncommon to encounter conflicting information that only adds to the confusion. In this article, I aim to simplify the process and provide a clear understanding of what you need to do and the differences between the information found in videos and forums.
🤔 Understanding the Confusion
When it comes to upgrading your vehicle's glow plug system, information overload can be overwhelming. Many videos on YouTube demonstrate the installation of a Ford starter solenoid, which requires running a power wire from the battery to the solenoid. However, I strongly advise against this approach. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure that your solenoid is isolated to prevent grounding out on mounting points, as this can cause damage to your glow plugs.
💡 The Differences Between Videos and Forums
The disconnect between videos and forums often stems from the varying methods used by different vehicle owners. On YouTube, you might come across videos demonstrating the Ford starter solenoid method, which involves running a power wire from the battery to the solenoid. However, this is not the recommended approach. Forums, on the other hand, may offer alternative solutions or highlight potential issues to consider. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision.
🔌 The Importance of Choosing the Right Solenoid
When upgrading your glow plug system, it's crucial to choose the right solenoid to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. One popular option is the ST85 solenoid from NAP, which is designed specifically for glow plug systems. It's essential to read the directions provided with the solenoid to understand its unique requirements and functionality.
⚡ Avoiding Grounding Out on Mounting Points
To prevent damaging your glow plugs, it's important to ensure that your solenoid is isolated and doesn't ground out on mounting points. Some solenoids may have grounding issues at the mounting points, which can lead to premature wear and failure of the glow plugs. By selecting an isolated solenoid, you can minimize the risk and extend the lifespan of your glow plug system.
💡 Explaining the Power Wire
The power wire plays a crucial role in the glow plug system. It supplies a constant 12 volts from the battery to the solenoid. Depending on your vehicle's configuration and modifications, the power wire may be connected directly to the battery or to a buzz bar. Understanding the power wire's function and ensuring a constant power supply is vital for the proper functioning of the glow plug system.
🔋 Constant 12 Volts from the Battery
As mentioned earlier, the power wire provides a constant 12 volts from the battery to the solenoid. This constant power supply ensures that the glow plug system is always ready to ignite the fuel-air mixture, even in cold weather conditions. Whether your vehicle's electrical system is stock or has been modified, ensuring a reliable power source is essential for optimal performance.
🔌 Connecting the Glow Plugs
At the bottom of the solenoid, you will find two big orange wires that are connected to the glow plugs. Additionally, there will be a smaller orange wire that accompanies the glow plugs. It's important to connect this wire to the bottom of the glow plugs to ensure proper functionality. The glow plugs play a vital role in heating the combustion chambers in diesel engines, especially during startup in cold weather conditions.
🎀 The Pink Wire with a Black Tracer
The pink wire with a black tracer is responsible for providing 12 volts when the ignition key is turned on. This activates the solenoid and allows power to flow through the glow plugs. Understanding the function of this wire helps you grasp the overall operation of the glow plug system.
🚦 The Glow Plug Controller and Blue Wire
Located underneath the dash, the glow plug controller is responsible for managing the activation of the glow plugs. This is where the blue wire comes into play. When the blue wire is grounded out, either through the glow plug controller or a manual switch, it triggers the activation of the glow plugs. This mechanism ensures that the glow plugs are energized during the startup process.
💡 Wiring Up a Manual Switch
If you prefer to have more control over the glow plug system, you can wire up a manual switch. This allows you to manually activate the glow plugs whenever necessary, regardless of the vehicle's ignition key position. Placing the button in a convenient location, such as the ashtray, allows for easy access and operation.
✅ The Benefits of a Manual Glow Plug Controller
By installing a manual glow plug controller, you become the one controlling the activation of the glow plugs. This allows for more flexibility, especially during cold weather conditions when additional glow plug time may be required. It's worth noting that if you opt for a manual switch and completely bypass the original glow plug controller, the "wait to start" light will remain illuminated while the engine is running. However, the glow plugs will turn off once you release the manual switch button.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a Ford starter solenoid instead of the recommended ST85 solenoid?
A: It's not recommended as the Ford starter solenoid requires additional wiring and may not provide the same level of compatibility and performance as the ST85 solenoid.
Q: Why is it important to use an isolated solenoid?
A: An isolated solenoid prevents grounding out on mounting points, which can cause damage to the glow plugs and decrease their lifespan.
Q: How does the manual switch work?
A: The manual switch allows you to manually activate the glow plugs by grounding out the blue wire, providing more control over the glow plug system.
Q: What should I do if I want to bypass the glow plug controller completely?
A: If you choose to bypass the glow plug controller, you can tape up the blue wire and connect the manual switch wire directly to the spot where the blue wire was originally connected.
Q: Can I use a manual switch even if my glow plug system is working fine?
A: Yes, you can use a manual switch in addition to the original glow plug controller for added flexibility and control over the glow plug system.
