Universal M18 Glow Plugs Testing

[Bob Ohler]

My M18 was sluggish to start last weekend and would not start at all today. Temps both days was in the 40's. I removed the batteries and brought them home to charge. I was wondering how I would test the glow plugs for proper operation. The amp meter does go down when I am holding in the glow plug button but if the fresh batteries does not do the trick, I may need to start trouble shooting.

Thanks.

[Capt Hook]

I'm anxious to see the responses to this. My M-25 has been slow starting lately too. I'm wondering if I need to replace my glow plugs. I don't know how they've been there. Maybe since Day 1.

[Bob Ohler]

I would bet that mine are original as well. I hoping that freshly charged batteries allow me to get her started. Otherwise, I am going to have to put me "mechanic" hat.

[mgphl52]

I don't know much about those engines... but in cold weather I pop the compression release on my MD7A and spin it with throttle wide open for a bit before trying start. This usually helps since the Volvo doesn't have glow plugs.

[Capt Hook]

I googled "how to test a glow plug on a marine diesel engine" and found three you tube videos that showed some couple fairly simple ways to test.

One of them did not even involve removing the plug from the engine.l

[Bob Ohler]

Thanks Capt'n Hook! You Tube was my next source of information.

"Dad, the secrets of the universe are on You Tube." Dave Ohler, Engineer and Sailor

Fair winds!

[mgphl52]

"Dad, the secrets of the universe are on You Tube." Dave Ohler, Engineer and Sailor

And I've always thought it was simply "42"...