Stupid glow plug question!!!

[Topherdiesel]

So as I go to check if my glow plugs are getting juice, i notice the light wont turn on, on my dash, the glowplug light.

The car WAS warm tho, but I am sure the light always comes on?
I dunno, I waited a while and then it came on, and I have juice, so now how do I check the plugs themselves?
Is there any way to check to see if they are bad without pulling them out?

Do mk2 glowplug rules apply to my 93 td aaz???

[Topherdiesel]

As well, how long should my plugs show juice for???
I know on the mk2 there are 2 different times listed, but someone said in another thread that my aaz plugs are different???

The 1.9 uses its own unique glow plugs. They are self regulating "duraterm" type plugs. Bosch, Beru and Lucas/Delphi all make a version of this plug. They stay on for 3 minutes after a cold start so regular fast or slow glow plugs will burn out quickly. They can be identified by the reduced diameter, tapered tip

How long should my juice go on for??

[Topherdiesel]

i can't say for sure that it's 100% accurate, but so far, this method hasn't proven inaccurate for me yet. I remove the power bus from the plugs, connect my test light's clip to the positive terminal and then touch the ends of the installed glowplugs. burnt out plugs don't light up the tester. verify after removal by powering them on the bench.

So can I do that, and when I do...I just hook to the positive battery terminal, then touch the ends of the plugs??

[VW Scully]

Are you coming to Dr. Diesel's meet next weekend? If so, we can help you out I find I learn best by doing and watching others do! (as opposed to trying to decipher something online or from a book with no pictures ).

[Topherdiesel]

It really can't wait till then!
I have exams all week, and shes driving like crap!

dr diesel can save me

haha

that was gay
:p

[QuickTD]

Do mk2 glowplug rules apply to my 93 td aaz???

Not all. The 1.9AAZ glow plug system has a couple of differences. The glow plugs come on for a timed cycle (preglow) when the key is turned on (or on later models, 95 and up?, when the drivers door is closed). The length of this timed cycle depends on the engine temperature, same as previous diesels.

 The glow plug light is independant of the actual glow period, the glow plugs are usually on for longer than the light, also the same as previous diesels. On the later, door triggered models, the glow plug light is sometimes not seen. This is because the glow time has often expired by the time you get seated and turn the key on.

 After the engine is started the glow plugs will come back on for 3 minutes OR until the coolant temperature reaches about 70ºC. this is known as afterglow and is unique to the 1.9TD. This is the reason the 1.9TD needs a slightly different glow plug than the 1.6D/TD.

 As has been mentioned, If you don't have any elaborate test gear the easiest way to check the glow plugs is to remove the glow plug bus bar, connect the clip of a 12 volt test light to the battery + terminal and then touch the probe end to the threaded tips of each glow plug. If the light lights, the glow plug is good.

[Topherdiesel]

Whats the model number for my plus doctor???

Thats "MR. Quick TD to me!"

Crap, also, what happens if the lights all go on?
Or thats not possible, since I have juice, but seemingly no plug heat?

[srivett]

If you're going to do any testing you'll want to have a torque wrench, copper antisieze, a deep 27 mm socket, atleast 2 heatshields, and atleast 2 new glowplugs on hand.  You won't be happy if you have to put your car back together to get parts.  Read up on injector removal too.

Cheers, Steve

[Topherdiesel]

Removal is easy, testing is what i need to know!

[srivett]

Okay, get a 6$CDN dash ammeter from Canadian Tire.  Hook it inline with each glow plug to see if they are all equal.  If you do this or the test light thing you'll practically have the car apart so like I said you'll want to have the parts kicking around.  As the final test when you have the plug out hook it up with a set of booster cables.  If it is good it will turn red so be careful.    

Good luck, Steve

ps.  My 1992 1.6D runs the glow plugs for 3 minutes after starting the car.  You can hear the engine unload when they turn off as they sink 50 AMPS.  That's only 1HP but it is noticable.

[Dr. Diesel]

i'm not sure how you can meter each glowplug individually without taking the positive bus bar off the ends of the plugs. If you end up taking it off, then the test light method should actually be quicker than using an ammeter. putting the ammeter inline with all four plug can tell you quickly how many plugs are out though.

[dieselpower]

hey,
ok this is a little off topic, but are the "duraterm" type plugs the same physical size as a normal 1.6 plug? im wondering if they will fit into my car, currently i have a dash mounted switch to turn the plugs on when i want, like right after i cold start the car to help reduce smoking faster. anyway, im always scared that im goning to burn them out for leaving them on for too long, but if those ones are on for 3 minutes, then i wouldnt have to worry.
thanks


Mark

[QuickTD]

Yes, The duraterm plugs fit in the 1.6 head just fine. Dealers here in Canada are now selling the duraterm plugs to replace some of the older versions. Aftermarket suppliers still sell the fast/slow types as well as the duraterms so be careful what you buy, especially in the US where they didn't have 1.9TD's. The duraterm plugs can be identified by the smaller diameter, tapered tip. Here's a picture - http://www.boschautoparts.co.uk/pcGlow2.asp?c=2&d=1