Glow Plug Indicator/Controller

[phildac]

Hey Everyone,

On the L260 I recently acquired I noticed when I glow the plugs, the indicator coil never glows orange like on my B8200. I can feel a slight warmth when glowing but doesn't seem to be doing much. Other than a weak battery or maybe it is just warn out, does anyone know why this indicator coil burns so weak?

The indicator is wired directly to the glow/start switch and there is a separate switch for ignition and lights. From the glow/start switch the wire goes to one side of the indicator coil and then out the other side to the first glow plug and then to the second glow plug.

So the indicator is wired in series then to the glow plugs that are wired in parallel. Here is a diagram showing the switch circuit.

Thanks,
Phil

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Phil,
The glow plug indicator will burn weak when either the indicator is bad or the glow plugs are bad.
I would pull them and check them out first.

 

[D2Cat]

I've noticed the same think on my L305. I first thought the battery must be weak, but it turns the starter real good. Then I thought maybe it's just the sun.
It's bright and seemingly not letting me see the full glow. Tried to shade the sun out and still not bright.

I think maybe the older machines had a higher resistance coil causing it to just be less bright!! I know the GP's work, and work correctly.

 

[phildac]

Wolfman,

New glow plugs are already on the way, maybe they will help.

D2Cat,

You might have something there. Two of my friends have L245's and theirs act the same way with not glow but the plugs work fine.

I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks,
Phil

 

[D2Cat]

phildac, I was at the dealer this morning and brought up your question. He said the old L series tractor had a different part number for the GP indicator. It did not glow bright like the newer models even though it was the same physical size and looked the same. It did have a different resistance.

Not to worry!

 

[phildac]

D2Cat,

Thanks for the info, that explains it and is good to know for future reference on the L's. Saved me $67 on a new one.