Glow Plugs Help
#21
09-25-2010, 11:22 PM
We took a trip to San Francisco shortly after buying her, and the fuel gauge indicated a full tank (70 Imperial gallons). It didn't budge off the full mark, and I assumed it had a faulty gauge. We left Vancouver, BC and the gauge didn't move until we were south of Seattle, and when we got to Portland Oregon, about 450 miles down the road, it still showed 3/4 of a tank. I didn't trust the gauge and decided to fill her up to be safe...
All I could pump into that tank was just over 25 US gallons, which is equivalent to 20 Imperial gallons. We traveled a total of 2,279 miles on that trip and burned 114.3 Imperial gallons of diesel fuel which works out to 20.1 miles per Imperial gallon. That converts to 137 US gallons consumed or 16.6 miles per US gallon.
We Canadians pay a lot more for a gallon of fuel, so it's only right that we get a larger gallon that takes us farther down the road! A twisted view of justice!
It would do much better with a 4th gear or overdrive; my 6.2 has enough torque to handle another gear, or alternatively I could go for a higher rear axle ratio than the 4:10 that's in her now. I think a 3:20 ratio or thereabouts was available as an option.
But 16 - 20 miles per gallon no matter how you measure it is damned good for a 6 ton RV! They sold a lot more of my model with the 454 Chevy gas engine, and I understand getting something like 8 - 10 MPG in one of those is considered good for that configuration. Ouch!
All the best,
JT
---AutoMerged DoublePost---
I neglected to thank you for the info on your bypass switch installation.
I now have something to look forward to if yours shuts down with the key as it should. I'll be sure to re-connect my GP controller and keep the fingers crossed that the new ignition switch functions properly.
Thanks again!
JT
Last edited by mvtofino; 09-25-2010 at 11:22 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
#22
09-02-2015, 06:10 PM
The glow plug controller is a very sensitive device, and once it blows it has to be replaced (not repaired), and it isn't cheap!
Mine has blown twice, and I only replaced it once at $365.00. I had heard about wiring a manual bypass switch for under $15.00, and that has worked perfectly ever since.
You need to purchase a good quality momentary switch (push button SPST will do fine), two appropriately sized ring terminals, and sufficient 14 or 16 AWG wire for the return run from the switch (say dash mounted for example) to the glow plug relay and back to the switch.
You attach one of the bypass switch wires to the small terminal on the glow plug relay and the other to a 12vdc source. Then when you press the manual switch, the glow plug relay is energized which then connects battery voltage to the glow plugs.
You can leave the blown controller installed as it is because it is no longer functioning as designed.
Hope this helps!
JT
Mine has blown twice, and I only replaced it once at $365.00. I had heard about wiring a manual bypass switch for under $15.00, and that has worked perfectly ever since.
You need to purchase a good quality momentary switch (push button SPST will do fine), two appropriately sized ring terminals, and sufficient 14 or 16 AWG wire for the return run from the switch (say dash mounted for example) to the glow plug relay and back to the switch.
You attach one of the bypass switch wires to the small terminal on the glow plug relay and the other to a 12vdc source. Then when you press the manual switch, the glow plug relay is energized which then connects battery voltage to the glow plugs.
You can leave the blown controller installed as it is because it is no longer functioning as designed.
Hope this helps!
JT
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