How much time to heat Glow Plugs?

StuartSailor · **Posted:** 31 May 2022 15:24

Hello All,

I’ve had my 1983 Tartan 37 for 10 years and as long as I can remember I have always allowed/needed to warm the glow plugs for at least 1 minute. Rereading the operators manual recently it says I should only need approximately 10 seconds. Granted that was when the engine was new. What are you all experiencing? Thanks.

Jesse

felizcortez · **Joined:** 25 Apr 2016 10:25 **Posts:** 185

Glow plugs should heat up fairly quickly and I would follow the engine manual recommendation. I live in a warm climate and have never had to use mine to start the motor.

You can check to see whether the plugs are getting proper voltage and the resistance on each plug is good with a multimeter. If it is the original wiring that could be suspect since mine goes through a pushbutton in the cockpit and then back to the motor with fairly thin cable.

StuartSailor · **Posted:** 01 Jun 2022 18:38

Thanks for the response Felix. So you just put the key in the ignition and the diesel starts right away? I may need to check into this issue then since I also live in a warm climate.

StuartSailor · **Posted:** 01 Jun 2022 18:39

Sorry. Meant Feliz.

WayneH · **Posted:** 01 Jun 2022 19:39

Just today in Pensacola, my 1980 W50 started right up without preheating. Temperature about 85°F.

felizcortez · **Joined:** 25 Apr 2016 10:25 **Posts:** 185

StuartSailor wrote:

Thanks for the response Felix. So you just put the key in the ignition and the diesel starts right away? I may need to check into this issue then since I also live in a warm climate.

My W50 has a push button start and there are two separate buttons. One for preheat and one for start. I have never used the preheat and the engine starts right up. I lived in San Diego and am now in Mexico. So warmer climates. The plugs raise the temperature inside of the cylinders so that when you turn over the motor it is easier for the air to compress and get to ignition temperature. Typically this is a cold weather climate issue. You may want to check to see whether your starter is turning over your motor fast enough. Check the voltage on the starter to see whether there is a large voltage drop from the battery when cranking the motor.
If things turn over slowly the air won't get as hot inside the cylinder and the engine may need some assistance to start via the glow plugs.

StuartSailor · **Posted:** 05 Jun 2022 13:18

Thank you for the feedback. Looks like I’ll need to take a closer look at this issue.

puffcard · **Posted:** 01 Jul 2022 16:06

Summer zero to 5 sec. Cold winter I'll go 20-30 sec. It doesn't hurt.

Tartan37.com

How much time to heat Glow Plugs?

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