Glow Plugs need replaced or ??

[dodgent]

I have a 1983 Ranger 2.2 Diesel, it has about 150,000 miles on it, the glow plugs have been replaced once by the previous owner. The truck wont start without being plugged in or about 70 degrees out unless you use either on it.

My question is, how do I know for sure it is the Glow Plugs and not a relay or something, Glow plugs are high price, the ones I found were $46.00 a piece, so I dont want to be buying them if I dont need them. Can anyone tell me a easy way to diagnose this. I am fairly good with mechanics but not very experianced with Diesels

Also, does anyone know of a cheaper place to buy glow plugs than $46 a piece? I priced these at LMC

Thanks

 

[adsm08]

I don't know of anywhere in particular to get them. Napa or a local store may be able to get them. A Mazda dealer may also be able to hook you up but def not for less than LMC.

To diasnose, there are two things you can do. Start by unplugging the glow plugs, flip the key to run, and then check for voltage at the connector, if there is none, you have an electrical problem, probably the relay. If there is, then check the plug resistance, they should all be about the same, if they aren't you probably have a plug issue. If they are, turn the key off take one of two out, plug them back in and flip the key back to run, see if they get hot. They should start to glow after a minute. If they don't they are shot.