I would like to examine that statement in detail.
The photos posted earlier show that the control unit has seven connections which are, two high current studs for the flame starter supply, and a five pole flat blade connector.
In addittion to the high current connections, the unit needs
1. An ACC+ supply from the ignition switch to start operation.
2. An earth (-ve) connection for its electronics.
3. A connection from the starter solenoid to initiate shutdown.
4. Connection for "glowplug" indication light.
5. A connection to a temperature sensor, to limit operation to temperatures below 5C.
I accept that function 5 above may be implemented internally, but this does not leave much scope for sending power to other bits, with the exception of the flame starter.
From Motor Roam website.
"With this system it is important to not wait until the glow plug light has gone out before starting the engine, as you would with most diesels. Instead turn the ignition on (glow plug light will come on constantly if it is cold enough to need the flame start) and allow a few seconds for the heater plug to heat up, then crank the engine. Once the engine has started the glow plug light will flash while the flame starter is operating, and go out once when the flame starter turns off."
In the interests of accuracy, after considering the Motor Roam description, I am revising my summation quoted above. I am now suggesting the following revised list auxilliary connections to the flame start controller. (Probably not in actual pin number sequence.)
1. ACC+ supply to initiate operation
at ambient temperatures below 5C.
2 An earth (-ve) connection for the internal electronics.
3. A connection from the starter solenoid circuit
to control the fuel solenoid valve, and initiate shutdown.
4. A connection for the glowplug indication light.
5.
An output to control the flame starter solenoid valve, with delayed switch off when key released from start position.
The connections that I have suggested above, would allow operation as described on the Motor Roam website.
I do not think that the output described in 5 above, is provided in a standard glowplug contrloller.
@Toadie ,
You do not seem to have posted any detail of your vehicle breakdown.
Perhaps it was that the glowplug indicator did not illuminate, and you were not happy to continue with starting?
It is nearly 59 tears since I bought my first diesel engined vehicle, and I have owned several since. On none of them has the cold start device prevented operation of the starter motor. In fact I soon leared that glowplug operation was usually only needed on the first start of the day, on all but very cold days.
In view of the apparently specialised nature of the device, and possibble connector incompatability, I would advise that you make use of one of the available offers. However your vehicle should start at current ambient temperatures, without the flame starter.
