Does anyone know the part number for the Glow plugs for an Isuzu 3LD1? I have not had a chance to check them yet, but as they are the original ones 98 vintage and the controller is working, I suspect one or more are bad.
Check this thread:
Part Number Collection (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11472.msg89923#msg89923)
Glow plugs for Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine for Power Tech 8KW generator:
Isuzu part number - 8971065494
NGK part number - Y720U-1; stock number - 5392
Glow plugs are a low failure rate item. How many hours on your generator. Mine has 1100. I've had my share of starting issues, but no glow plug problems.
We replaced our glow plugs once and carry a spare set of three.
15 minutes with a test light, 12V source or multimeter and you will be able to tell if one is bad. Good to learn to make a quick check.
Pierce
Forgot to attach the video. This will work on any diesel glow plug but some have different methods of attaching the supply wire.
How to test Glow Plugs on all diesel engines (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TcuJDd9Hho#ws) This guy really has the camera shakes but eventually gets the job done.
Pierce
Thanks all, going to check them this weekend and see what gives.
Checked the glow plugs this weekend, all 3 are bad. Anyone have a source other than Power Tech, for them?
NGKwholesale.com :: NGK :: Y-720U1 (http://www.ngkwholesale.com/product.php?productid=49669)
Thanks for the tip, should have them by the weekend.
I have a 300SD with 440,000 miles with all original glow plugs so a bit unusual for 3 of them to fail. Using a meter or test light, check to see when the voltage goes off after the generator has started. Some automatic timers keep the glow plugs glowing for 90 seconds or so after the engine has started to reduce emissions and insure smooth running. The timer can stick on and fry the plugs. With only 3 cylinders, 1 bad plug can keep the generator from starting in cold weather.
I have also seen diesels that have high oil consumption from rings or bad valve seals run higher combustion chamber temperatures that also fry the tip on the glow plug so examine the tips on the old ones when you remove them. If they have a wire, it will have a open area, solid types are harder to diagnose.
Pierce
Some while back I had to replace the ES52 controller, I suspect when the controller failed it killed the glow plugs. As we operate mostly in Florida the problem did not show up until it cooled off. I checked them all with a meter all dead, pulled them put 12V on them as well. I did however check the new controller to make sure all was good, about 8 seconds on time prior to the engine starting, all off when the generator starts. New ones should be here today got them from NGK wholesale $13.87 ea. Thanks
We have a manual button for the glow plugs on our U300 but wanted to add that most controllers/timers I am familiar with, have engine and ambient temp sensors. The 8 seconds you see may be different as you go into cold climate conditions. Controllers may go from no glow if the engine is hot to 20 seconds or longer before the light goes out and the engine is (may be) ready to crank.
In really cold weather at high altitude, the controller may have to be cycled several times before the generator engine will run. This is where the engine really depends on all glow plugs working.
Just for fun: Older diesels used to have slow glow plugs wired in series. If one plug failed, none would work. There would be an extra glow plug on the dash of the car that you could watch as it glowed. It gave a clue as to when the engine was ready to crank but you had to do the mental timing for weather, etc. Fast glow plugs changed all that as they were wired in parallel and a couple of years later, controller/timers were added that made the diesel car competitive with gasoline counterparts for convenience.
Dave, what is your experience with controllers/timers in the generator business? Are they basic or do they depend on sensor input?
Pierce
As best I can see the ES52 controller is a timer only for the glow plugs adjustable from 0 to 36 seconds, no input for temp other than high water temp shutdown.
Car Quest also carries them...FYI
This was a timely posting. I just checked mine today and found two of them are bad. I had a rough start the other day in some colder weather. This should take care of that. Thanks.
Mark Z
Mark just make sure which engine you have kubota or Isuzu the price on glow plugs from NGKwholesale was $13.82+22.00 freight 2nd day (from what I can find they are in CA). The only ones locally that had them was Power Tech in Leasburg FL $34.95 ea.
Thanks. I got them from NGK Wholesale also. I can get them locally but it is more than online and they would have to order them also.
Mark Z
For bbeane,
The ES-52 does more than just time for the glow plugs,
Things it does are;
Timer for glow plugs as you mentioned,
Engage starter and engage the fuel pump
Can do cycle cranks if the engine is a hard starter type, I set for 3 cranks with rest periods
Disconnect the starter at the correct frequency and keep the fuel pump on.
Sense for an over speed issue and shut down if needed
sense oil pressure and water temp. shutting down if exceed the limits
All from you pushing the start button once.
Enjoy the marvel of modern and simple control logic that does what you need, when you need it.
I have been playing generator logic circuits for 40 years and I love the little ES-52, install a lot of them in older gensets where the parts are no longer available or many times the ES-52 is much cheaper to install and give at least as good service or better than the OEM.
Cheers
Dave M
Thanks Dave yes I did set up all of functions per the instructions that came with the unit. Its amazing how much stuff that little box will do.
Got the glow plugs today and they are the wrong ones. Pn = Y-720U-1 do not fit my genset. The ones I pulled out today are Y709R Glow plugs. I will see if they will take them back in return for getting the right ones. I do have a 3 Cylinder Isuzu 8K genset.
Mark Z