david85
Full Access Member
I wonder if you could put an inline resistor to trick the controller back into it's operating range.
I wonder if you could put an inline resistor to trick the controller back into it's operating range.
All you need to do is cut notches in the big Z resistor on the controller to increase its resistance and the controller will think it’s seeing a higher current draw then what the plugs are drawing. If you look at the Z resistor you will find a hole close to one of its ends, that’s how the factory “calibrates” the resistance.
For example, the big Z resistor is say 0.005ohms, the zd9 draw ~200 amps, the Z resistor will drop 1 volt across itself (200amps x 0.005ohms = 1 volt). Now the new plugs say draw 100 amps, you need to notch the Z resistor till it dropped 1 volt across itself or became 0.01 ohms (100 amps x 0.01 ohms = 1 volt). This way when the controller reads the voltage across the Z resistor it sees the same voltage and thinks the same current is flowing to the plugs.
At least with the 80034s, over correcting shouldn't be a problem, just call it assisted warmup.If yes, then in theory it should work. The only catch is to avoid taking off too much material and over-correcting. Although a parallel resistor could be used to calibrate for glow time once you get it "about right".
Are those the actual values? 0.005 ohms and 200A?
If yes, then in theory it should work. The only catch is to avoid taking off too much material and over-correcting. Although a parallel resistor could be used to calibrate for glow time once you get it "about right".
It also means anyone can probably make this style of controller work with my ZD1a glow plugs.
If you over shoot the notching of the resistor the plugs will stay on longer then needed and you will either have to replace the Z resistor, parallel wire across it or patch the Z resistor and slowly notch it again till you hit the target voltage.