Glow Plug System: Description and Operation

1980---81 & 1983
Type 1 System Steady current applied to eight 12 volt glow plugs, is activated when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. the glow plugs pre-heat the pre-chamber to aid in starting.

Type 2 System Electromechanical controller controls 6 volt glow plugs including glow plug temperature, pre glow time, wait/start lights, a pulsating current to aid starting, and after glow time.

NOTE: The 6 and 12 volt plugs are not interchangeable and can be identified by the wire connector spade as follows:
- 6 volt glow plugs have a 5/16 inch wire connector spade.
- 12 volt plugs have a 1/4 inch wide spade.

Glow plugs remain activated for a short time after starting, when they are turned OFF automatically.

Starter Operation
Two 12 volt batteries, connected in parallel, are required for the higher electrical load due to the glow plugs and starting motor.

The diesel starter motor--designed to crank the engine at least the 100 RPM required for starting--is larger than the gasoline starter motor.

Charging Operation
An alternator supplies charging current to both batteries at the same time and there are no switches or relays in the charging circuit.