Thread: Glowing a 4BDI

Needed mine for the initial start up of the engine as it hadn't been started in over 4 years, never needed them again

Originally Posted by isuzurover

The 4BD1(T) if in good condition with a good battery should start instantly at any temperature found on the Australian mainland.

Mine has been so far. Mind you, we get rather bland weather here.

Currently at Stanthorpe. Mine was at 12.4v and started ok this morning despite being about 0 degrees.

4BD1T starting fine in - 10c without glow plugs. Needs some throttle to keep running at that temp though.

the glow plug position is halfway between accessories and start.

if everything is ok then the glow plugs are only there to fill the holes in the head that some idiot drilled in there to install the otherwise unrequired glow plugs.

Ive had them start with an effective temp of -35 without glow plugs (temperature after calculated wind chill)

Dont count on the heater being any good for you at those temps, the engine will be bloody lucky to warm up.

If you're doing prolonged operations in cold climate areas or short runs in cold cimates fit a cotton sheet over the radiator grill or a double layer of 80% shade cloth. Check your oil condition regularly it will sludge up faster with cold running.

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

(temperature after calculated wind chill)

It's only silly moist warm things like humans that care about wind-chill. Engines don't give a damn.

Originally Posted by weeds

On the army rigs you hold the ignition half way between on and start from memory and a light will come.

It has to be pretty cold before you get any real benefit.....if you battery is low than glowing can help start the motor.

Your on the money "Weeds"
I tried this today and the choke symbol lit up.
About 15 seconds then cranked it along with a touch of throttle as "87County" said, instant start, has to be much kinder on the starter motor and battery.


Thanks for the accurate information.


Cheers, Mick.

Dredging up an old thread....

Just got my 110 from minto. Had trouble starting because of what looked like a flat battery, tow started easy as pie. Bought a new battery and got a couple nice starts then back to hard to start, thinking I'll try this glow proceedure and see.

What electrical issue are you referring to?