Glow Plug Relay

[Bob Camarena]

I remember reading in the Mainsheet about modifying the glow plug circuit to use a relay instead of running the plug current all the way to the engine panel and back, thereby increasing the current at the glow plugs and shortening warm-up time. Has anyone done this? How did it work? I have a 5411 Diesel.

 

[Kevin McGrath]

I did my m25xp last year and it works great. I used a solenoid for a Ford starter. Take the line that runs to the instrument panel glow plug button from the glow plugs and cut it near the engine. Connect the instrument panel wire to one of the small solenoid posts. The solenoid directions tell you which one. Run a ground line from the solenoid metal base mount to ground. The next step is to put the wire from the glow plugs to one of the large posts on the solenoid. The other post is connected to a 12volt line at the back of the alternator. When you push the button, it energizes the solenoid and allows voltage to flow from the 12v source across the solenoid to the glow plugs. Since the wire is only about two feet long , there is very little voltage drop. Make sure that the wire from the alternator is at least as large as the glow plug wire. Good luck

 

[Bob Camarena]

Thanks Kevin

Thanks for the details -- I'm doing it ASAP. Your directions pretty much match what I'd surmized but it's nice to get a confirmation.Bob