94 Pajero 2800 starting questions

[robbieg]

Ok. I've perused the forum, but haven't seen a definitive guide to start the 4M40 (was looking at L400s for advice... keepin' it general!)
What about in winter? What's the best way to start the engine if it was impossible to plug in, and it's -30?

Unanswered questions: Are the glow plugs only on when the 'coil light' (glow plug light) is on?

I'm not positive Ive heard the 'glow plug relay click'. Part #u1t10172, correct? (I'll test that it's getting a signal to go on before I buy one, don't worry). I'm seeing that it's usually the temperature sensor, but it the temp sensor seems to work (no glow plug light if the engine is hot).

Lovin' the little guy, but he's having trouble adjusting to the cold.

[robbieg]

Addendum.
I _am_ changing the glow plugs (lord only knows how old these ones are)

Opt for the NGKs
http://ccautos.ca/parts/mitsubishi-7/pa ... g-ngk.html
or cheap out with the Hyundai?
http://rs-import.ca/shop/step1.php?number=737

How much regret would I have saving over $200?

[Tojo]

http://www.ngkwholesale.com/

[CREGAN]

Changed the temp sensor and put in NKG's and my 94 likes the cold much more now. From what was explained to me there are 3 things working in sequence (Temp Sensor, Glow Plugs, And GP relay) here and by replacing 2 of them I think I have solved my issue. You can try replacing by process of elimination and have the security in knowing the boxes have been ticked. Just know that no matter what it will probably be the last thing you replace after doing all the items is usually the faulty part. Always seems to work out that way for me

Went for the Hyundai's first as a cost saving measure and only now that I have NGK's I realize my mistake. A small amount more for a much more reliable product. My Hyundai's worked well for a couple months and then I found I had to have the van plugged in in +10 to get it to start right. Just didn't seem to last. NGK's in since August, and we have had some COLD days here- no problems. Got them and Coolant Temp Sensor from Coombs.

My experience.

Craig

[robbieg]

Ordered the ngk glow plugs and glow plug temp sensor (cheap in comparison to the other plugs, so why not?)

So, I heard the glow plug relay click today. It's odd.

Turn key to 'on' position. Glow plug light goes on. Glow plug light goes off after 5 ish seconds (provided the engine is cold - doesn't turn on when the engine is warm). Then the the glow plug clicks after 4 seconds after that. Is this the normal setup?

I'll ask again: What's the best -20 starting procedure?

[psilosin]

FYI The glow plug lamp in the dash is completely useless so do not use it for any troubleshooting. First off its only on a few seconds independant to if the glow plugs are still active. Second, related to the first, it isn't actually tied in any way to the glow plug relay or busbar so even if it lights up that is no indication that the glow plugs ever received power.

The other very common item to fail besides what CREGAN the Excellent One has already mentioned is the glow plug relay. If it fails then even if your plugs are good they are getting no power. I have made a number of post regarding testing/fixing/replacing the relay that a search should bring up. Very easy to test. A bit of a hand contortion to replace but super easy also.

EG:
How to Test GP Relay - http://www.delica.ca/forum/another-glow ... tml#p99084
How to Rebuild OEM GP Relay - http://www.delica.ca/forum/l400-glow-pl ... 12336.html

If your relay ends up being the culprit my last post on the subject was replacing the OEM Mitsubishi relay ($150+) with an alternate much cheaper and more heavy duty unit ($20). Its been in for a few months now and working like a hot damn.
http://www.delica.ca/forum/what-did-you ... ml#p108061

Good luck. Poor starting in the cold is such a common and annoying problem that unfortunately has a number of potential causes...and who wants to be out troubleshooting in this weather!

[robbieg]

Tell me more of this $20 relay you speak of.

For $20, I'll replace just about anything (especially if the original is 20 years old!)

[VanVonVan]

Hey Rob,

This is the advice I got from other manitobans. If you can't plug in at -20, -40 its all the same after a certain point and my deli does not wanna start. (my block heater plug end broke at -30 )

So I cycle my gp twice put the accelerator to the floor and start cranking. Once running I maintain 1500-2000 RPM till she warms up. Works like a charm. be prepared to get a lot of looks from the huge amount of smoke. If its plugged in cycle the gp once and it starts like a dream.

Russell

[robbieg]

Now, this goes back to the glow plug question.
How long is a glow plug cycle (seeings as the light is meaningless)

[CREGAN]

Now, this goes back to the glow plug question.
How long is a glow plug cycle (seeings as the light is meaningless)

My light goes on and off in about 2 seconds (useless as stated before) and then I get a click telling me to turn the key over at around 7-10 seconds. That click means the plugs have warmed and it is ready to fire. When it is really cold sometimes I will turn the key and wait for the click and when I hear it I will shut it off and start the cycle over again. Once you fire it up and the engine is running, just stand out there and listen to it warm up for a few minutes. After about 2-4 minutes you should hear that same click again. This is because the glow plugs have been on working until your engine has reached and maintained the right temp.

The glow plug relay is Psilosin's Kryptonite.

Craig

[psilosin]

Tell me more of this $20 relay you speak of.

For $20, I'll replace just about anything (especially if the original is 20 years old!)

Info is here. Available on Ebay for $15-30
http://www.delica.ca/forum/l400-glow-pl ... ml#p108689

[tonydca]

If you even suspect your problem is glow-plug related in any way, try the quick-and-dirty tests below:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/psa-my-glow- ... 14198.html

Fixed my bad starting last night; one bad plug that was still within specs.

[robbieg]

Alright!
Replaced my glow plugs today (and the glow plug temp sensor, since it was cheap in comparison to 4 ngk plugs)
Noticed that the power line to the bus bar was corroded to the point it fell off. This would explain a lot. Got it all reattached... started up without any drama.

I put on the 250W polar pad eariler. Today my truck is outside work in the current -30 (high of -21 today), so we'll call this a 'live test'.

tl;dr - new ngks, plug temp sensor, it's -30... we'll see.

[robbieg]

Excited, and feel the need to share.
Major cold snap in Manitoba (stop and chew on that for a while).
Parked at work today. Plugged in (polar pad), started almost right away with very little drama.
Went curling. Left it parked in -25 not plugged in for 3 hours... Still no drama. Very cool.
Going down to -30 tonight. Garage is full, so he's outside plugged in over night. We'll see how tomorrow goe. I'm hopeful!