Glow plug controller

[JeepSJ]

I'm finishing the wiring and all I have left is the glow plug controller. I am using the diagram that is posted here for the late 80's/early 90's controller. I have a couple questions about the controller...

I cut a plug and small section of harness out of a vehicle at a local wrecking yard. The wire on the "D" terminal (that is the wire that should be hot on run only) is a 12 ga wire. Is that the wire that activates the solenoid? Does anyone know how much power it draws? I have a wire from the stock ignition system that is hot in run only, but it is 16 ga. Does that controller really draw enough power to need a 12 ga feed?

Also on the diagram, the "C" terminal is connected to the same terminal as the glow plugs. The diagram shows the inhibit switch being installed in that circuit. Is that the temperature switch? Would there be any problem with eliminating the inhibit switch and just letting the glow plugs come on when the engine is hot?

For reference, the diagram I am using is here -
www.thedieselpage.com/members/control.gif

Thanks!

[JeepSJ]

No one knows how much power the glow plug controller needs?

[john8662]

I don't have any supply amperage ratings.

I think you'll be fine with 16 ga wire, pretty sure most of the controllers installed on 85+ engines were that gauge anyways.

Pin D is the supply wire from ignition. The wire I'd worry about is the supply to handle the load of the plugs, IIRC it's 10 ga wire.

The later seem to be larger gauge.

J

[JeepSJ]

Thanks John! I was just worried because the connector I got from the wrecking yard had a 12ga wire on pin D. I'll just have to power it up and throw an amp gauge on it to see what it pulls.

As for the supply to the plugs, I had some 8ga left over from my charging circuit so I am using that.

[john8662]

As for the supply to the plugs, I had some 8ga left over from my charging circuit so I am using that.

That'll do!

J