Ok, well i bypassed the clip. It still did'nt start good, cranked and cranked and cranked. It's 39 degree's out and my gp's stayed on for 9-10 secounds, no block heater.. Could my gp controller be bad maybe??
keep checking the small things first like you are doing,,, i can tell by the way your really going to it your going to pinpoint the problem!! Are your glowplugs good? Did you check them with a meter? I know for sure that a gear red. starter will really help you out, but keep checking the small things first unless you have alot of money to dish out. How's your batteries?
i lucked out when i got my gear reduction starter. there was a used one on ebay with an opening bid of $30 and shipping of $15. i placed a high bid of $50 since it was used, and nobody else bid on it so i got it for $45 including shipping. you will definately be amazed at the difference in cranking speed.
i did a little digging for you and came up with a few choices on where to get one. the place i kept seeing in the posts was DB Electrical. they currently have them for $122.00 with free fedex shipping. i also came up with an ebay auction that has a pretty good price.
this auction's seller has a really good rating and the price is slightly better at $116.70 with free shipping.
is there smoke at all coming out of the tailpipe? whats the condition on the fuel system?
your 88 came with a gear reduction starter. Are you guys saying that nippendenso style gear reduction starter (versus the stock mitsubishi gear reduction starter) cranks faster.
also I can think of 4 completely different style and output "gear reduction starters" for these motors.