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Author Topic: Glow plug question  (Read 3127 times)

Offline dhamblet

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Glow plug question
« on: October 17, 2008, 02:53:50 am »
I have wondered for several years if it is bad for your CTD to get in and fire it up without waiting for the glow plug light to go off.  It starts just fine even when cold.  But in reality it doesn't generally get all that cold where we are in Washington.
2006 Dodge RAM Laramie H pkg, 5.9 CTD, LWB, QC, 4wd, 6 speed, PacBrake, Brite Box, AirLift Wireless Air.

Offline lilfroger

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2008, 03:04:48 am »
We don't have glow plugs on CTD's.

We have a heater grid.  The heater grid will fire when the ambient temp is below 60.  The truck will start fine.  But it is a good idea to let the wait to start light to finish it's cycle.

I'm picky even in Western WA I still plug the boy in when it is going to be around the 30's.  I use the high idle function and Jake to get the truck up to operating temp.
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Offline jakebrake

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2008, 08:06:57 pm »
Wont hurt the engine any if you hop in a start cranking before the light goes out. You will however get a little more smoke when it first lights off.
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Offline Mitch

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #3 on: November 16, 2008, 01:55:15 am »
Where is the heater grid located?
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Offline Parts/Service

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #4 on: November 16, 2008, 02:20:19 am »
Where is the heater grid located?


#4 in pic....

Offline burban2002

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2008, 06:41:55 am »
Wont hurt the engine any if you hop in a start cranking before the light goes out. You will however get a little more smoke when it first lights off.

Mine are kinda messed up right now.  It was about 30 degrees here and it still started like a champ.  There was some light bluish smoke for about 2 minutes though while I sat there.
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Offline jakebrake

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2008, 07:50:53 am »
These engines will fire reliably at 0F without grid heaters. As you said, they will smoke a little though until the warm up a bit.
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Offline CowboyBob

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #7 on: November 17, 2008, 03:20:53 pm »
I always plug mine in if the temp goes below 50f.  I figure that these grids draw plenty of amps and that can't be good for the batteries. 

Also, I have a 53 block in my truck.  Extreme temp changes seem to be the #1 cause for block failure.  So I figure it is a little bit of insurance to plug it in.

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Offline Cumminalong

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #8 on: November 18, 2008, 03:14:33 am »
I always plug mine in if the temp goes below 50f.  I figure that these grids draw plenty of amps and that can't be good for the batteries. 

Also, I have a 53 block in my truck.  Extreme temp changes seem to be the #1 cause for block failure.  So I figure it is a little bit of insurance to plug it in.

I plug mine in because I'm a sissy and I like my heat when I get in the truck.

Taking 8 - 10 miles or so to get heat is for the birds......

Offline jakebrake

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #9 on: November 18, 2008, 04:04:09 am »
When you plug it in, it only takes a matter of minutes to defrost the windshield. If you dont, your looking upwards of 20minutes. My old truck got plugged in when the temps dropped below 35. I have yet to get a block heater for the new truck.
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Offline lilfroger

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #10 on: November 18, 2008, 06:12:09 am »
You mean the block heater CORD right Jake?!?

The block heater grid itself it included on all CTD's.  It doesn't need to be purchased.

The cord for some reason is not included.  The dearer will charge you around $80 for the cord & the install.  But it's only $10 ~ $15 at the part's store or Genos

http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HEATER_CABLE_FL

Just so you don't confuse someone Jake :tt2:
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Offline Methos

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #11 on: November 18, 2008, 05:25:31 pm »
Get one of these to go with it ....
http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo.asp?number=WD-BHP


Offline jakebrake

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Re: Glow plug question
« Reply #12 on: November 18, 2008, 07:32:48 pm »
Yes, Jo, I meant cord. Methos I got something in planning already. Just got to talk to my parts guys.
*2015 Durango R/T
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Special thanks to Rich at www.doghousediesel.com

 

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