Glow Plugs Cycling on and off after engine start fixed with Temp Sensor

ynwa · Post by **ynwa** » Fri Oct 21, 2016 1:55 pm

Hey DeliCan. This may or may not be new news but I thought I would share my experience.

For a couple of months I would have erratic service from my glow system. In the morning it would usually click for me but then there would be a couple days when it would do nothing and I'd have to crank and crank before it fired. Then, other times, it would click okay, but then I could hear the relay clicking on and off every few seconds behind me, thinking, oh man, that can't be good for the plugs...

It would often not click at all during the day after a warmup.

So I read up and considering this has likely never been changed I opted for the quick fix (Mitsu Replacement). I would have saved a whack going aftermarket but figured I would piss around with the glow system.

Everything is back to golden on the relay and glow side. Clicks for me great in the morning and any other time I've jumped in during the day.

The bad, is that I'm sure I've fried a couple plugs cuz it runs like balls in the morning. Sputters and coughs at 5-600. I just push it to 1k and lock the throttle for a couple minutes and it warms up fine.

So there it is. Intermittent glow system firing was caused by a flaky Temp Sensor. Try that first when you get strange operation.

Cheers,
J

Matt&Kim · Post by **Matt&Kim** » Wed Oct 26, 2016 8:52 pm

I recently have had this same issue, Glow plugs cycling fine, clicking twice and starting (sometimes rough) but clicking intermittently for up to a minute after starting. I tried replacing all the solenoids and relays with some good used ones I got for 20 bucks. Should have considered the temp sensor. You are talking about the 2 prong sensor closer to the valve cover? I see there are 2 temp sensors near the coolant hose. From some digging I've found that mid 80's Dodge D50 trucks have similar engines and the Mopar replacement shares the same part number as the Mitsy original.

In investigating the glow plug issue i removed my 25 year old mitsubishi glow plugs and found that one was broken off half way down the tip.
A cross reference from the original Mitsy part number came up with and NGK 2161 6v plug available thru Napa. I have them on order and will see how they go!

Thanks for the tip, these vans don't like to start without a properly working glow plug system.

Post by **FalcoColumbarius** » Sun Oct 30, 2016 2:21 pm

Regarding the superglows clicking on and off after the start: This is standard, they are supposed to do that if needed. The idea is if say it's colder out and the cylinders are not up to temp, the glows will switch back on and off to fine tune until the all the cylinders are at proper operating temperature. Make sure that your terminals and cable ends are clean (I use a little wire brush in a cup ~ looks like plate armour for an egg ~ get it at an auto supply shop) and that your battery(ies) are charging properly and the glow system should run properly. I check with the manual to get my information and I would recommend understanding the alternator and the belts that run it some. There are a few good articles on the ECU in the L300 Dedicated Technical Reference Library, as well as in L300 technical ~ look around. Also in L300 Technical Reference Library is a manual section that has the manual I just linked to in this post as well as other useful manuals, such as "Engine Electrical".

Hope this helps.

Falco.

ynwa · Post by **ynwa** » Fri Nov 04, 2016 7:51 am

Hey, was out of town for ages. Thanks Falco for the update. I definitely need to get these plugs out and have a look since now the cold running is 'super' rough. Way worse than before these symptoms started. Certainly could be gummed up after trying to run cold for several times. Good point is that the first cycle is solid so the Temp Sensor fixed that issue. I'll continue through the normal connection cleaning and whatnot.

Yes, the temp sensor is the 2 pronger (T), tucked in the front, just outside the valve cover. Getting aftermarket would be a good idea as Mitsu parts are $$$.

Post by **FalcoColumbarius** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 1:40 pm

Where are you getting the Mitsu parts from? I went to MMC in North Van to get a pair each of axle bearings and retainers. They told me that it would be $240 before taxes and would get them to me in two to three weeks. In the end I went through Amayama.com. It took six days from ordering to arrive at my door and cost me $148, all in. Check through the Delica FAQ Section for useful links and information.

Also, regarding after market glows, make sure that the resistance/impedance is the same, I think it can screw with your system if it's not balanced correctly. I have no problem spending eighty-eight bucks (CAD/ea) for the Japanese plugs, maybe expensive to start but cheaper in the long run. The UAE version is fifty-four bucks, the Korean edition apparently is as cheap as five bucks... hmmm... I think not.

Falco.

Matt&Kim · Post by **Matt&Kim** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 12:02 am

For glow plugs, Rock Auto .com lists the NGK 2161 6V plug as a aftermarket replacement for the glow plugs in the 1985 Mighty Max with the 2.3L diesel as well as the 1985 Dodge D50 with the 2.3L. When I looked up the Mitsubishi part number thru Partsouq and cross referenced it into a common brand I found the NGK 2161 again. I ordered a set thru Napa after confirming they're 6 volts. They have been working great for the last week since I installed them. They were pricier than I expected at $135, though. grrr.

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 12:35 pm

Matt&Kim wrote:They have been working great for the last week since I installed them.

Great to confirm that NGK 2161 work with the super-quick glow circuit! I've tried CP07s and they just don't work.

ynwa · Post by **ynwa** » Thu Nov 10, 2016 3:33 pm

FalcoColumbarius wrote:Where are you getting the Mitsu parts from?

I think this was for me? Anyway, I went local RMI and shelled $70+ CAD for my sensor. Seemed unnecessary. I also pulled the GP's and 'hot tested' them. They all lit up fine. Covered in black soot so cleaned them up. Cleaned up the busbar and contacts. Batt posts and contacts nice and clean.

I still get the post-fire glow cycling which you explained was normal. But she definitely 'misses' during the morning warmup. Might go for another round of IPA or even pull the injectors for a manual check.

Not sure what the missing is. Cheers.

bigkat1249 · Post by **bigkat1249** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:36 am

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I'm having a similar issue with my 91 Deli. I have fresh glow plugs but haven't been able to track down the temp sensor. Do you remember the part #? Or could you link me to where you snagged yours from?

Thanks!

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 2:54 pm

Check out the technical reference library- I'm pretty sure there's a thread on the temperature sensor (and a couple on the ECU, but the temperature sensor thread has part numbers.)

http://www.delica.ca/forum/viewforum.php?f=94

F0urEvrCaR22 · Post by **F0urEvrCaR22** » Fri Dec 22, 2017 7:59 am

Falco-san (Rock Me, Amadeus),

I am having similar issue with my Glow Plugs. What do you mean by “superglows”? Can you point me to the technical references that support that the Glow Plugs are supposed to continue to operate after ignition? I’ve owned an L300 before (a two-battery system) and the Glow Plugs never operated that way. Also, I’m looking for a definitive answer on converting to a two “deep cycle” Marine Battery System In the meantime, I’m going to do a deep batter inspection. Thank in advance for the help.

Lapprentis · Post by **Lapprentis** » Fri Dec 22, 2017 1:18 pm

From what I know, Superglow is the name of the Glow Plug System in our 6V L300. I had similar issues and had my ECU refurbished and the Temperature sensor replaced, it cured the clicking problems: capacitors were leaking in the ECU: at 25YO they all are overdue....Have it a Youth Fontain Cure

Lapprentis

F0urEvrCaR22 · Post by **F0urEvrCaR22** » Fri Dec 22, 2017 7:52 pm

Lappentis,

So, from what I am seeing in this post, the consensus is that the continued actuation/operation of the Glow Plugs after a cold start (7 Celsius) is "NOT" normal. Is that correct? Everyone please feel free to chime in (I need the extra confirmation/encouragement).

sk66 · Post by **sk66** » Sat Dec 23, 2017 6:36 am

F0urEvrCaR22 wrote:Lappentis,

So, from what I am seeing in this post, the consensus is that the continued actuation/operation of the Glow Plugs after a cold start (7 Celsius) is "NOT" normal. Is that correct? Everyone please feel free to chime in (I need the extra confirmation/encouragement).

If you have the 6v super quick system then cycling of the glow plugs *IS* normal until the engine comes up to reasonable temp. Basically, the first 2 clicks are the system applying 12v to the 6v plugs so that they glow "super quick." then it switches over to 6v as needed (the additional clicking).

F0urEvrCaR22 · Post by **F0urEvrCaR22** » Mon Dec 25, 2017 4:42 am

Sk66, Lappentis, Growlerbearnz,

I’m sorry but the information you all are providing is conflicting. I don’t want to mess up my baby. Can you please clarify?