What's the buzz?

[GB SISSON]

Just bought an '83 mitshubishi 4x4 diesel pickup. Pretty good shape and am enjoying working out a few bugs. I am 63 and have been a shade tree truck mechanic most of my life, but just on my own stuff. To start with this truck occasionally makes a loud buzzing sound from a silver box on the passenger kick panel. Glow plug relay? It does this about one in three start ups and lasts way too long. Eventually goes off randomly. I have 3 other older diesel vehicles and I have installed manual glow relays with solenoids. Is this what the buzz box is?" Thanks in advance, GB

[Uncle Spence]

You are correct. It's is what controls the timing function for your glow plugs. At least that's my understanding. Mine has been bypassed so it doesn't do anything at all.

[GB SISSON]

Thanks, I will go through my box of starter solenoids and bypass that box. Anyone have a lead on where to look for drivers side fender emblems 'mitsubishi 4x4' ?

[pennyman1]

keep in mind that the 83 glow plugs are 6 VDC and will swell up and gall in the holes if left on too long.

[GB SISSON]

I found yesterday that if I turn the key off while driving and then back on the buzzer stops. If I do a manual setup is there a voltage reducer ahead of the GPs? Anyone have a wiring diagram for this vehicle? I had hoped to take some pics of my new truck today but it's pouring out right now. Bought it from a 25 year old girl whose Dad bought it new. He was a chief engineer on merchant ships and kept all records with a 2" stack of receipts.