Glow Plug Timer?

[dirtydog]

my astra started really well - never ever had a prob... mine was an Isuzu engine though not a dodgy GM one

[chardspm]

Sorry to ask but where could I find the water temperature sensor? Was it the one, when taken off, make the rad fan work?

[MattF]

Sorry to ask but where could I find the water temperature sensor? Was it the one, when taken off, make the rad fan work?

The sensor which is used to determine the glowplug circuit timing?



It's the one circled in blue.

[chardspm]

Thanks for the photo Mr. Matt.....As of now, still can't figure-out the cause of starting problem of my Surf '92. Just yesterday, I checked each glow plug(resistance to gnd) and seems no problem..they have identical resistance. They relay seems to be fine too, I can hear the ticking though quite fast for me, approx 3secs. What I can't check is the water temperature sensor....mine is so crowded maybe I will ask elecrician to check this weekend. I noticed also that my fuel filter pump shows no resistance even I pumped it for more 30 tries. Is this related also with the starting problem. Appreciate anyone's advise....Best Regards.

[MattF]

Thanks for the photo Mr. Matt.....As of now, still can't figure-out the cause of starting problem of my Surf '92. Just yesterday, I checked each glow plug(resistance to gnd) and seems no problem..they have identical resistance.

Just Matt is fine. What were the resistances of the plugs, roughly? If less than a couple of Ohm's, they should be fine.

They relay seems to be fine too, I can hear the ticking though quite fast for me, approx 3secs. What I can't check is the water temperature sensor....mine is so crowded maybe I will ask elecrician to check this weekend.

It will be more awkward to see and reach on the 2nd gen. It has a lot more gubbins around that area than the 1st gen, which is what that picture is from. What voltages are you getting to the glowplugs and for how long, approximately?

I noticed also that my fuel filter pump shows no resistance even I pumped it for more 30 tries. Is this related also with the starting problem. Appreciate anyone's advise....Best Regards.

I'd get that sorted before you go any further. That could well be the cause of your problem. It sounds like the diaphragm is split. That plunger should go pretty much rock solid eventually.

[NiftyNev]

I checked each glow plug(resistance to gnd) and seems no problem..they have identical resistance.

Did you do this with the glow plug rail removed so you actually measure the one plug at a time?

Nev

[chardspm]

Just Matt is fine. What were the resistances of the plugs, roughly? If less than a couple of Ohm's, they should be fine.

If I remember it right, there resistances is in the range of 0.92 - 1.04 ohms. Three plugs has more than 1ohm while the other one is 0.92ohms. Pls advise if OK.



It will be more awkward to see and reach on the 2nd gen. It has a lot more gubbins around that area than the 1st gen, which is what that picture is from. What voltages are you getting to the glowplugs and for how long, approximately?

As the ignition was switch, I can read approx. 11.56V for less than 3secs then went down to less than 5V. That seems so fast with me.






I'd get that sorted before you go any further. That could well be the cause of your problem. It sounds like the diaphragm is split. That plunger should go pretty much rock solid eventually.

My fuel filter pump is only replacement not original which I changed maybe 3 years ago. Do you advise me change it?

[chardspm]

Did you do this with the glow plug rail removed so you actually measure the one plug at a time?

Nev

Nope, I checked without removing anything except the plastic cap of the plug. Is my checking correct? As I mentioned in my previous post, I read within 0.92 - 1.04Ohms range. Thanks.

[chardspm]

Just Matt is fine. What were the resistances of the plugs, roughly? If less than a couple of Ohm's, they should be fine.

If I remember it right, there resistances is in the range of 0.92 - 1.04 ohms. Three plugs has more than 1ohm while the other one is 0.92ohms. Pls advise if OK.


It will be more awkward to see and reach on the 2nd gen. It has a lot more gubbins around that area than the 1st gen, which is what that picture is from. What voltages are you getting to the glowplugs and for how long, approximately?

As the ignition was switch, I can read approx. 11.56V for less than 3secs then went down to less than 5V. That seems so fast with me.

[MattF]

My fuel filter pump is only replacement not original which I changed maybe 3 years ago. Do you advise me change it?

If it's not pressurising fully, something doesn't seem right. You could try temporarily replacing the existing fuel filter assembly with a standard inline fuel filter and seeing if that makes a difference to the startup problem. Just remember that it will, initiallly, take several seconds or more for the fuel system to prime when you change the filter to an inline unit and then turn the engine over.

With regards to the glowplug voltages, you should be seeing around 10.5V initially dropping to around 6V thereafter. As to how long the initial cycle takes is decided by temperatures measured by that sensor. As to whether three seconds or so is normal for the initial glow from cold, I honestly couldn't say, personally

[chardspm]

Dear All,

After almost month struggle with my '92 Surf starting problem, finally I got it better this morning after installing the replacement filter and new pump. Previously I need 4 or 5 tries before it go but this morning, only 1 click and started. Now the plunger shows much resistance after several pumps. You're right Mr. Matt! I'm supposed to visit EFI calibration this weekend but maybe no need for this time......I'd rather observe mine for the coming days and revert back to you. Thank you very much for the help.

Best Regards,
Chard