When a CUCV starts, the glow plugs will cycle a few times after the
start. This is NOT intentioned for a "rough" idle. This is to keep the
vehicle from excessive smoking (emissions) while cold. If you have a
healthy engine, you WILL NOT notice any appreciable difference in
performance while idling when the plugs are cycling other than hearing the
"clicking" of the relay. All diesels will run rough for a couple of seconds
upon initial starting. Unless you have problems or it's just plain worn
out, running for a few seconds will quickly smooth out. You can tell when
the glow plugs come back on: You hear the relay click when turning on. The
ammeter in the dash will show excessive discharge. The fan belts will
usually squeal at fast idle or trying to drive it immediately after starting
because the current draw from the alternator. I remember covering this
point when I last talked to one of the engineers at the engine platform
assembly in Detroit. Julian Burke
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sun Jan 06 2002 - 22:26:51 PST