Diesel Ignition Switch and Glow Plugs

OK so I finally got an proper owners manual for my Land Rover thats in english and realized that my ignition switch is not the correct type at all. My rover has a 3 position switch which is preventing the glow plugs from heating up correctly. I suspect this is a big reason why I have to jump my rover and crank it for an extened period before it finally starts.

Anyway I think I sourced the correct replacement as being http://www.roversnorth.com/store/p-1...ch-diesel.aspx

I could go the more expensive genuine part way but thats not really a big concern for me.

Also, has anyone ever sourced replacement glow plugs from US shops like Advance Auto Parts or so on? I'd like to replace my glow plugs, especially to the newer types if possible that heat up faster. I've seen some of those kits to do this, but they are kind of rediculous price wise and then you have to get them shipped from the UK.

It is unlikely in the extreme you'll find glow plugs at Advanced Auto. Just buy a set of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover...item415258971c

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVER...item56443825bc

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover...item3363071022

A Series diesel ignition switch has only three positions, you need to hold the key just before the starter kicks in and hold it there while you watch the glow plug light turn on and count to about 10-15. (Just between position 2 and 3). Turn the key to second position and then turn the key just a little bit more and hold it there, while the glow plugs do their job and then press it just a bit more to start the engine. They don't have a timed glow relay.
If the glow plug light don't turn on you probably have a defective glow plug. The glow plugs are series connected, so if one doesn't work, none of them work.
I have replaced mine with the later type, then you don't have to use the resister coil either.

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Originally Posted by Lalo88DK

A Series diesel ignition switch has only three positions, you need to hold the key just before the starter kicks in and hold it there while you watch the glow plug light turn on and count to about 10-15. (Just between position 2 and 3). Turn the key to second position and then turn the key just a little bit more and hold it there, while the glow plugs do their job and then press it just a bit more to start the engine. They don't have a timed glow relay.
If the glow plug light don't turn on you probably have a defective glow plug. The glow plugs are series connected, so if one doesn't work, none of them work.
I have replaced mine with the later type, then you don't have to use the resister coil either.

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Ah well that did it. I guess the manual just confused me as it made it sound as if there was an additional stop before the starter. I believe mine is working as the light came in dim but not bright as stated in the manual. Its still being stubborn on the start and need a good deal of cranking and connection to another car before it goes but I'm hoping to solve that in the next few months. I finally have a garage to put it in so I'm gonna start the teardown and will do an engine rebuild at the same time.

How's the battery? I had similar issues (dim cold start light & eventual clicking of the starter) until I replaced the battery with a Group 27 with 800CCA (cold cranking amps). If you need to jump it to get it to start, that's where I'd begin.

If you are going to rebuild this thing you'll definitely want the glow plugs I linked too. They are a lot better than the original coiled element type.

read these links:

http://forum.landrovernet.com/showth...e-heater-plugs

http://forum.landrovernet.com/showth...-Plugs-GRRRRRR

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Originally Posted by yorker

http://forum.landrovernet.com/showth...e-heater-plugs

http://forum.landrovernet.com/showth...-Plugs-GRRRRRR

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I despise forums where you have to be a member to view their secret information...:rolleyes:

If you in fact have a petrol ignition switch, you can always just install a momentary push button switch to operate the glow plugs. I did this for the pre-heater for Perkins conversions.

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Originally Posted by SafeAirOne

I despise forums where you have to be a member to view their secret information...:rolleyes:

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Thats too bad. Its a good forum though.:thumb-up: