Glow plug relay question

Nerocuba said:

Cheers Nial, I do agree that having a go is the best option and I am up for most things, I am going to attempt my steering UJs this weekend but I do worry about messing with electrics, as I absolutely no idea about that sort of thing at all.... The last thing I want is something catastrophic to occur and my insurance company to be rolling around on the floor laughing, as they tear up my claim cheque.... And we all know they would quite happily do that. Lol

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mystery said:

assuming original engine View attachment 196074

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NiallRussell said:

Do you mean the Ball joint ends on the rod? That was the first job I ever got the courage to do myself, very satisfying that one.

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Nerocuba said:

Yes, Nial, those the ones and it is the first job I am attempting too, so am a bit worried but I'll give myself the whole day, just in case lol

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Flossie said:

300 isn't original but the Landy it came out of would have had a relay.
When you turn ign switch to the position that the dash warning lights are on- is there a sprung resistance to the key before you turn it further to engage the starter? This resistance between dash lights and starter engagement is where the glowplugs would be energised originally, you have to hold the key in that position for a few seconds before engaging the starter. In that position the choke light should be illuminated. If you don't have that sprung resistance on your ign switch your Landy may have been petrol before the 300 was fitted.
There are a few options available to get them working,
Off the switch as above.
Fit a timer relay.
Manual non latching push button switch.

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Nerocuba said:

Hi Flossie, I checked this weekend and it has got the sprung resistance before the starting point however, there is no light that comes in whilst you hold it in that position.... Does seem like everything is wired to a relay in the engine bay and looks like its been done properly... Just no light but I guess it could be anything, including the bulb behind the dash.

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Flossie said:

Next thing to do then is check that you have 12 volts at the plugs using a meter (cheap to buy if you haven't got one and very useful)
You will need someone to hold the ign switch whilst you check ideally.

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Nerocuba said:

Sounds easy lol. I do have a meter and it shouldn't be too difficult to figure out how it works.... Can't I just remove one of the glow plugs and see if it glows when I hold the ignition on the sprung stage? Just trying to negate trying to figure out which part of the relay to test or which wire will be the live etc..... Yes, I know THAT little lol

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Flossie said:

Yes you can, hold the plug with pliers and touch the metal body of the plug against the head or block, it should glow bright red in a few seconds. I'd check you do actually have voltage to them first.
Set meter to higher than 12v DC (not AC) usually 20volts setting on the meter. Touch or clip the black meter lead to the block and touch or clip the red lead to the nut on the glowplug. Then hold the ign switch and report back with your findings.
Relay is easy to check too if you get no voltage at the plugs. Can you hear or feel the relay "click" when you do the ign switch thing?

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