[Vwdiesel] Voltage drop when glowplugs working !

[Mike & Coreen Smith]

Val, Group.

OK, I think I better look at getting a new battery then, and maybe
installing better cables.
I am sure it's working on at least 3 plugs now, but unsure how long the old
91 Golf "non turbo" glowplug will work for me in my 88 Jetta TD. Some say
not very long. (LOL)
Thanks

Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Val Christian" <val at swamps.roc.ny.us>
To: <ve9aa at nbnet.nb.ca>
Cc: <vwdiesel at vwfans.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 7:29 AM
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] Voltage drop when glowplugs working !


> > Just for fun I did a voltage check and saw that when the 'plugs are
heating,
> > the voltage in my battery drops to about 9.2volts.   Seems kinda
low.....
>
> It is low.  My guess is that your battery is marginal.  You'll find out
> this winter. (grin)
>
> 10 V would be about the lowest I'd expect, and then on a battery that's
less
> than optimal.  My 92 has a two year old $60 battery (group 41?) and reads
> 11.6 to 11.8 when glowing.  I don't have the luxury of having had
voltmeters
> on all the cars to have a broader base.  Hence, I tend to usually see
> voltages when I have a problem I'm working.
>
> On glow plugs...On my second Rabbit, I went to pull glowplugs and the
> #1 one broke.  The 12MM hex end broke from the body.  I used EZouts and
> tried for days to extract it.  Couldn't get it out, and didn't want
> to damage it so that it wouldn't seal.  275K miles later, I took the
> head off, and the valves and that broken glow plug were replaced.
>
> That car started just fine with three plugs.  My experience is that
> three plugs work fine, except that in cold WX (less than 10F) there's
> a fair amount of white smoke, until the cold cylinder gets up to temp.
> At the same temps, it's nearly impossible to start with two plugs.
> The speed of your starter (and the charge of your battery) come into
> play.
>
> Best luck.
>
> Val  n2epo
>
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