Here is the wiring diagram for OM617 Mercedes diesel glow plug relay box when doing a swap. See attached OM617 Glow Plug Relay Wiring.pdf Hope this saves the next guy some time!

 

Also check superturbodiesel.com - tuning performance turbo diesel mercedes, W123, W116 and up. OM617, OM60X for more info.

 

Very helpful, thanks!

 

Red - Positive of Battery (no fuse is needed)

That goes against everything I've every been taught. If I want to go crazy and add a fuse, how many amps do the glow plugs pull?

Red w/black stripe - Energize the relay (ignition switch "ON" position).

So as long as the switch is on, there is power to the glow plug relay. I assume the glow plug relay must somehow measure the amount of time the glow plugs need power vs the block temprature and cut the power off to the glow plugs once this temprature is met and/or the engine starts? When pulling an OM617 from a donor vehicle, where is the glow plug relay located (mounted to engine or elsewhere) and what provides the relay the temprature info for it to determine how long power should be supplied to the glow plugs? Is there a temprature sensor for this that must also be saved?

 

The relay for the OM617 takes care of the timing,IIRC.It is rated for 50 amps.The power circuit to activate the relay is only 3 to 5 amps.The relay is located on the driver side fender well.You are correct on the operation of the relay.Benz didn't use a fuse on the relay.If you're pulling everything,get the wiring for the glow plug relay system.That way you will know how everything is wired.

Unfortunately www.superturbodiesel.com is temporarily shut down.There is pics of the relay and directions on how to wire them in.Should be back up in a couple days.

 

There is a fuse,it is the flat piece of metel betwean the two srcews at the top or right of the relay box depending on were you are standing when you look. The relay is the first box on the fender behind the driver side head light.

 

https://mercedessource.com/node/8580

What are your opinons on this option? Would certainly simplify things and make 1 less thing to worry about in a repower.

 

Just a Ford starter relay and a timer.Probably $20 - $30 in parts.There was a write up on doing that conversion on peachparts forums or superturbodiesel forums.Can't remember which.

 

Yea, Ford starter silanoid (sp?).

Do you have an opinion on whether this would be a good choice when transplanting the OM617 into a different vehicle? Would allow you to ditch the whole GP system/sensors. Is the timed system worth the extra trouble to keep it going?

 

another nice ford starter relay glow-plug solution :
vincewaldon.com - HOW-TO: Pimp your glowplug wiring

I'm leaning towards maybe adding a buzzer