Converting to Electronic glow plug control

Shadetreemechanic

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The main wiring difference with the older screw in controller is it uses a separate solenoid on the passenger fender to actually engage the glowplugs. The later solid state connector has the solenoid integrated into it so all the wiring is together.
I bought the accurate diesel "upgrade" for my 86. It lasted about three years and maybe 60 k miles. It did fail in the off position. The original one would often fail in the on position and burn out your glow plugs. Because the older system has a separate solenoid, its super easy to mount a momentary in the cab to accurate the glowplugs and you can have both systems at once. I have had a NOS motorcraft controller now for several years, but I have never gotten around to installing it. The momentary switch works fine.
 

TahoeTom

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I was about a tick **** away from buying the solid state gpc and plug set from accurate diesel this afternoon (been having some hard starts) for my 86 6.9. it says to specify spade or bullet type connectors. It also says it's a solid state system instead of electomechanical.

Since I'm such a noob I could use some clarification. If I change plugs AND controller to solid state with bullet connectors (I have spades currently) I'm doing the right thing, right?

This is not a hijacking, I swear.
I would stick to the spade connectors if that is what you have now. You would need to change all the ends on your harness. As was mentioned by Mcrobb the spade are rated for the '86 and earlier systems. If your current controller is still working and not coming on after your engine is warmed up you may just need glow plugs. You should buy Motorcraft/Beru plugs. I am not sure of the brand Accurate Diesel is selling. They may be Wellman brand. I actually used a set of them for several years without a problem, but some members have had bad luck with them. Better to stick with what is proven for our engines than take a chance. Thermostat and glow plugs are two of the OEM parts most consider necessary.
 

Eighty_six

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I would stick to the spade connectors if that is what you have now. You would need to change all the ends on your harness. As was mentioned by Mcrobb the spade are rated for the '86 and earlier systems. If your current controller is still working and not coming on after your engine is warmed up you may just need glow plugs. You should buy Motorcraft/Beru plugs. I am not sure of the brand Accurate Diesel is selling. They may be Wellman brand. I actually used a set of them for several years without a problem, but some members have had bad luck with them. Better to stick with what is proven for our engines than take a chance. Thermostat and glow plugs are two of the OEM parts most consider necessary.

Thank you sir! I'll have a peek at oriellys after work. I hear they've got the motorcrafts. Hell, they had a windshield wiper switch in stock(first one they handed me had a broken plastic flange thingy but they had another in good shape )
 

6T9burner

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@david85 I just did the upgrade in my 86. If you can give me a day or two, I can add a video to youtube describing exactly what I did, pointing everything out. There are a few parts that are tricky little *******, as far as wiring.
 

laserjock

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I put my controller on a switch so I can kill it when I don’t need it. In a remote start situation, if you can pull a signal off the remote start to turn on the relay rather than just the ignition on signal, it would be ideal especially if it were a timed circuit. Say if it were programmable to turn on the headlights or similar while it’s starting but turn them off after some given interval. Does that make sense? I’ve never messed with remote start systems but contemplated building one. I see lots of possible ways around it. Could be as simple as a timing circuit that kills power to the relay after x min of key on power.
 

david85

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I've installed remote starts in two gassers so far and they are nice. It's not really that difficult to go that extra step to add the necessary timer and high throttle set. Time is an issue right now, but I'll get to it eventually.
 
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