Few glow plug issues...any ideas?

[kibs45]

Jan, if I keep the car much longer it will probably be completely rewired, in the fashion you described.  The problem also is this car shares the harness of a CIS car so there is way too much wire in and around.  There just isn't a need for all of it, especially considering the age of everything involved. 

[macka]

you can always get a painless wiring import kit, and rewire the car.

[truckinwagen]

I am going to put a diesel in a CIS car very soon, and have every intention of re wiring the car completely from scratch.

there is just too much electrical clutter in these things.

[kibs45]

I havn't figured out if mine is worse because its an Audi or not.  I guess its possible.  I was just shocked at the rats nest that fell out from behind the fuse panel.  Very comparable to our 95 Jetta.  Way too much, and a bunch of it obviously dead ends.  Oh well its still better than my 1990 100q.  That was a mess.  I will let everyone know what happens tomorrow after its finished.

[kibs45]

Well time for a compression test.  All back together smoke and no start still.  Got the tester we'll see how it goes.

[Rabbit on Roids]

... I have detectable voltage at the appropriate wire at the ignition switch, and again at the solenoid terminal.  This is why I decided to bypass it.  ... I am just trying to keep it workable.  ...By the way the pimped glow plug circuit is MUCH MUCH more robust.

Vince's pimping is a superb and ideal solution.  I do an econo version.... replace the relay with a 'high amp capacity starter push button' with short 10ga leads from the FAT relay terminals.  I have not had a problem as the high load power through the button is quite brief.  Cost ~ $3. Time ~ 10 minutes.  Can also add a relay version directly ahead of strip fuse.

BTW, I share your climate, and relays often seem to fill up with water    VW has a great way about placing water leaks directly above the fuse box  

My first diesel (78) the PO had rewired the entire fuse panel with Ford style solenoids out be battery.  It looked like and airplane job, and was dependable enough to fly  

when i bought my rabbit, it had so many relays that were full of water. i thought maybe it was just me, but i guess its not.

[kibs45]

Rechecked my glow plugs with an OHM meter and found that all four have 0.0 ohms resistance.  Could this be part of the problem?  Havn't done the compression check yet its wet and cold.

[Familydiesel]

Yes, no ohms, no current.  Did you check your ohms with one lead on the threads to the bus, and the other on the threads or casing of the glow plug (not on the tip of the glow plug)?  Since you have the quick glow system, and the relay malfunctioned, leaving the plugs on, they would all be fried.  So, it would be good to replace the glow plugs with the same kind of plugs.  Don't mix slow and fast plugs together.  Just remember which kind you have and hold down the button accordingly.  One quick way to make sure wheather your glow plugs are toast, is to take a wire and connect to the top threads (to glow bus), and connect this wire to the + terminal on your battery.  Ground the body to the negative terminal and see if the plug lights up.  If not, its toast.  If it lights, your plug is still good enough to at least heat some.
Greg

[kibs45]

removed the injectors for the compression check and verified gps are functional.  Bad nes is (mind you engine cold) 1:200 2:200 3:125 4:200.  So next to no compression.  Very interesting that it happened so quickly like I said Friday as running great and monday no start.  Anyays I ill let you all kno hat shakes out,  It might be up for sale soon.

[Familydiesel]

You sound like you're on the right track.  I honestly thought that no ohms meant the plugs were no good, but goes to show I got a lot to learn. I just tested a good one, and it showed 1 ohm.  Oh well, in any case hope you figure it out. 

[kibs45]

Car is up for sale.  Portland Oregon.  If you need parts I might be willing.  Or $400 OBO takes it all.

[Rabbit on Roids]

you must be Joel?
how bout the rest of the car, whats it like? straight? beat to piss?
mileage?
lights and electrical work?
i have a TD 5000 parts car, wanted to find a 4000 quattro, but this might have to do.
the 4000 is quite a bit smaller than the 5000 isnt it?

another thing, is it even worth fixing? or is this more of a parts car?

[kibs45]

Its been beat to hell definitely more of a parts car.  Looks like its going away tomorrow.  If it falls through I will let you know.  The 4000 is a lot smaller.  This is a non quattro.  Anyway it had lots of issues and it will go away so another 4000 diesel in better shape will stay running.  Thanks for all the help.