HINOMOTO E204 GLOW PLUG ISSUE

[drstrickland]

Hello all,
Thanks for letting me join the group. I have an Hinomoto e204. Love this tractor! Glow plugs stopped working. thinking it's a controller or a relay problem. Can't figure out which one. Is there anyone out there that know how to wire a work around to bypass controller and/or relay? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Mrsig]

and enjoy the forum!

 

[Roadworthy]

I'd begin by putting a voltmeter on the glow plugs while somebody tries to activate them. If they're getting voltage your glow plugs could be bad. Of course if they're shorted you'll get zero voltage, too. You can power them directly from the battery via a spring loaded toggle switch. Since they pull about ten amps each and are wired in parallel you need a pretty healthy switch - say rated fifty amps. They would probably be found at a good auto parts store or a battery sales store. This will probably shorten glow plug life as many are rated at 10.5 volts, not twelve.

 

[drstrickland]

Thanks Roadworthy for your help. Do you think 12 gauge or 10 gauge wire would be best to use?
again,
thanks

 

[Roadworthy]

The glow plugs draw about ten amps each. If all are fed from the same bus twelve gauge should be adequate for the short time they're energized. It's good for about thirty amps continuous usage but derated for home wiring use.

 

[drstrickland]

Really appreciate your help. Will try to wire the plugs tomorrow
and will let all know how it went.