Delica P35W won't start -- could it be the glow plugs?

[EllyStu]

Hello folks,

I don't do a lot of driving so Mitsi sat for a few days in chilly, rainy weather, then wouldn't start. Dashboard lights came on, so battery was not dead (as has happened in the past). I've had the van for 7 years and do have some experience with battery problems. But this time I noticed something else more worrisome that I've not encountered before. Mitsi does not have a glow plug indicator light, but when I turn the key on part way, after a short delay there is a distinct "click." I do that 3 or 4 times until the response is nearly immediate then turn the key on full and she usually fires right up. Not this time. She will not click, not even with the tow truck jumper cables attached. We’re sure the battery is good and not the problem. But what is?

I live midway between two excellent Delica repair shops, both a fair distance away, meaning an expensive tow truck bill in either direction. So I thought I'd see if I could narrow things down first, just in case it's something that can be handled here in the yard.

One possible problem might be those glow plugs, right? To my knowledge they are 7 years old, and who knows when they were replaced prior to that. I have spent the last couple hours looking through past posts here and watching YouTube videos.

Some make dealing with glow plugs sound so simple; other posts suggest it's a very risky thing to try, especially for a newb. It's going to be an uncomfortable exercise in gymnastics at the very least, and alas poor Mitsi lives outside, not in a carport, and of course it's pouring rain again. (Happy holidays!) So I figured I’d better do my homework.

This video showing how to replace them was particularly helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCcmN-r5Z9M. (The poor guy lost a spanner and is doing the work in the rain – sound familiar?) But first, should I not test them? Probably they should be replaced anyway. But maybe they are not the problem, in which case, what else might be?

I've had some really great help from folks here back when Mitsi's belts had to be replaced. Can someone please give me some guidance with this problem? For instance, is there anything else I should be checking? If I need to replace them, and since I’ll be hitching a ride, can I purchase them from ordinary auto shops nearby in town? Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

Elly in Nanaimo, BC

[Dino]

Sounds to me like the glow plug controller kicked the bucket. First thing's first check the fuses, if they're all ok I would start by trying to jumper the glow plug relay control circuit and just hold it for 6 seconds or so, and have someone crank it to see if it will go. If it does then you'd need to look at either finding a controller or rigging up a manual push button/switch. If it doesn't, then you'd need to test for voltage at the plugs while jumpering the relay and see if either the lead broke or if the relay isn't putting out.

If there is good voltage to the plugs then you would need to pull them out and power them up individually with the relay as a control (with the power wire and a jumper cable to ground). Find a way to hold them (not with your hands obviously) where they won't melt / catch anything on fire, but don't just jumper them with the battery as they may require reduced voltage.

If the plugs glow nice and bright after a few seconds of power then they're fine and you may be dealing with air or water in the fuel. It's been sitting a while so if you've been having a slight injector pump leak it might have taken on enough air in the system during the prolonged sitting period to not start, where a shorter sitting period might not have been noticeable.

P.S. I don't have any info off hand as far as the relays or wiring so hopefully someone else might be able to chime in with that. This is just what my strategy would be if I were working on the vehicle

[EllyStu]

Hello Dino and Happy Holidays. Thank you for taking the time to give me these helpful suggestions. It's a lot to take in and I'll be pondering this over the holiday.
I failed to say that the vehicle had been starting and running fine, that she had been sitting for less than a week, and also that when I turned the key on, the battery symbol came up in the dashboard lights, something I am familiar with and why I concluded that it needed a boost. Not sure if that adds anything or not.
Yes, it will be interesting to see if anyone else has something to say.
Cheers!
Elly

[macro]

Could be the glow plug relay, I believe a manual push button switch is a fairly straightforward install. I know from experience that these vans WILL start without glow plugs. If it's too cold out you'll kill your battery trying, but it's an option. I would go to town on the engine with a voltmeter and a manual and see what's what!

[Dino]

Well the battery light will come on with the key in the "on" position because the alternator is not charging, so as long as it is cranking normally your electrical system should be ok.

With the lack of glow plug relay clicking my money would be on the control unit, it's a pretty common issue. A lot of guys have just gone with the manual switch deal, myself included.

Have a merry Christmas!

[helibrian]

is the fuse attached to the battery cable good? That went on me, the alternator shorted out and the delica wouldn't start. if it is the fusable link when you change it make sure you unplug the alternator or you will blow the fuse again . then drive it to the alternator shop or get a new alternator from a local parts dealer. my glow plugs are at least that old and I have never had a problem. if you are getting a click then they are heating up.

[helibrian]

sorry I just re read your post. check the wiring harness going to the glow plugs. mine chaffed with the throttle wires almost right through.

[siemens8]

I check on the car without removing the glow plugs as follows. take off with them overall the bar food. then Baru fog light bulb 12V 50W and through a wire from the battery + through the bulb several touch points ignition power supply. the light bulb should light up brightly on the healthy candle light.

[EllyStu]

My apologies to everyone who kindly posted to my question. I broke my leg, then got the flu, and then complications ... As well, my computer went on the fritz. It was not a good winter for me or poor Mitsi who has sat there all this time. I'm just getting back into the swing of things and need to get Mitsi running. Recently I found a mechanic who came and took the glow plugs out. He tested them, said two were good, two were bad. But he cannot find replacements. He says his suppliers have no listings and none of the ones he has on hand have the same threads. I am sure I read somewhere in here that glow plugs are not difficult to find. Once again I'd like to ask if anyone can steer me along. Thanks a lot.

[EllyStu]

p.s. I should have said that the most startling thing happened when he came to look at the vehicle. It had been sitting in the wet and cold for months. He was leaning over the passenger seat, but I was the one who put the key in -- and she started right up! Truly, my mouth dropped open. He checked things out and ran a few tests but couldn't find anything and agreed it must be the plugs. Even though it started, I had no confidence in them since they were at least 7 years old, so I asked him to take them to his shop for a testing.

[Growlerbearnz]

Glow plugs are as easy to replace as a spark plug. There's no reason why you can't do it yourself

The glow plugs are Mitsubishi part number MD092392. They're not cheap, but genuine Mitsubishi plugs are the only ones that will work with your stock glow plug controller.

I would buy them from Amayama: http://www.amayama.com/search?q=MD092392

If your glow plug controller is broken and you're going to fit a manual button, you can fit glow plugs from any manufacturer. Compatible part numbers are CP-07, CY57, or GPF-117. Plenty of listings on Ebay.

Good luck!

[EllyStu]

Oh, thank you !!!! I'll get onto that : )

[EllyStu]

holee molee ... I'm just coming around. I had to use my smelling salts %/
It looks like each one will cost C$45 to $65, plus whatever, depending ... Is that possible?
Two tested as faulty. But would anyone replace only 2 and not the entire set? Seems to me the other two might be ready to go as well.
Would it make more sense to replace the controller with a manual button in order to use the other glow plugs you mentioned?

[konadog]

My bus won't start the other day. Lights and radio and power, but nothing to the motor. I called CCA and Dave told me to wiggle the little fuse type things on top of the battery. Flashed right up after that and hasn't bothered me since. Good luck.

[EllyStu]

Glad you had an easy fix : ) And thanks for the suggestion. My battery and connections etc. were all nice and clean and tight. Had them spruced up not long before.
Beautiful dog!!! Oh, and nice van too ;)