Testing 7.3L IDI Glow Plugs

[JASTECH]

Is this tool reliable and or have you used it before?

ALB30638MAT

Other then measuring resistance via DMM and leads is there any other way?

Also needing to check my injection pump. Is there a better way other then a hose and glass jar trying to figure out pressure/volume?

So looking for testers that will make it easier and accurate for me.

Thanks, JASTECH & Son

 

[richfinn]

Is this tool reliable and or have you used it before?

ALB30638MAT

Other then measuring resistance via DMM and leads is there any other way?

Also needing to check my injection pump. Is there a better way other then a hose and glass jar trying to figure out pressure/volume?

So looking for testers that will make it easier and accurate for me.

Thanks, JASTECH & Son

I just use a DC current clamp and record the max reading on my multimeter.

Then divide by how many cylinders, a good one pulls typically 12-16 amps on European passenger cars at least.

Doing it this way you dont even need to remove the power supply to the plugs

 

[cundifc]

7.3 powerstroke? Injector buzz test works well for pump and injectors.

 

[JASTECH]

cundific, No sir it's 88' IDI non-pwr stroke.

First poster, that won't show which GP is bad. I understand they are 6vdc GP's with 12vdc inputed.

 

[richfinn]

cundific, No sir it's 88' IDI non-pwr stroke.

First poster, that won't show which GP is bad. I understand they are 6vdc GP's with 12vdc inputed.

In my limited experience of Diesels. you change glow plugs as a set, if you really want to test each plug individually just isolate the supply to each plug when your checking the current draw with the clamp.

You can use a clamp for lots of other tests too like alternators/fuel lift pumps etc

Are you saying you have pairs of glow plugs wired in series if they are 6v?

 

[stratman977]

I feel your pain on this one. My brother just bought a 94 Turbo IDI that looked really clean with 105k on it. Hes had it for a month and new injectors, injector pump, glow plugs, on top of the tires and batteries that we knew about before he bought it. Im 2500 miles away from him and he doesn't have many tools other than the harbor freight stuff I outgrew and gave him. I wish I could go out west and help him out but its kinda tough to take off and do something like that.

All I can say is good luck.

 

[JASTECH]

No, I read on Diesel Stop that they are 6vdc in all these International engines. That's why there is a timer as they will burn out fast when manual overide is used. This is my only transportation right now and it will need to make a few trips back and forth to Texas with 22' trailer.

 

[csargents1546]

Best way to do it is to disconnect the valve cover harness, the glowplugs are the larger blades. By the age of your truck, IIRC there are two connectors on each valve cover. Did you also check your glowplug relay for proper operation? The resistance should be less than 10 ohms.

Unless you plan on doing alot of this work, just use a DVOM to test you glowplugs. I do it all the time at work.

 

[tomshep]

From owning one definately check the GP relay. They go out regularly. I would do that before messing with the GPs.

Tom