Glow Plug Fun

[m_c]

I'd try running the engine up to temperature first, and giving it a good rev. Screwing the threaded bit back in and going for a drive isn't a bad idea, but a bit decent rag wedged over the hole would be enough to catch the projectile.

Failing that, drilling is the next step. You'll usually find once you get down near the end of the thick section, it'll start spinning. If you're lucky it'll catch on the drill and just pull out, but starting the engine up will blast it out, along with any crap/swarf.

 

[armalites]

These skinny glow plugs are another victim of modern reliability and efficiency. Many engines just wouldn't start in winter without them because they are pumping so little fuel. They last so long that by the time they need replacing they will have been stuck in an aluminium cylinder head thats been carboned up and heat cycled thousands of times.Most likely the first time someone realises there is an issue is when 50% have failed. If glowplugs had to be changed every 20K miles there probably wouldn't be an issue. On some cars you have to dig for hour just to get them some you loose any benefit of doing them warm.

 

[Ashley Burton]

Had another go at it tonight...

After tapping deeper into the glow plug & using an M6 bolt to extract it. It just continued to rip out the threads I had made in the glow plug

So going to step it upto an M8 tap to hopefully get a better grip

The glow plug body is 8mm, So I'm right on the limit

I'm going to try this method before I drill it out completely with a 8mm drill

I'm determined to avoid having to remove the head

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Do you have a 1/4" tap? Not much difference, but might give you just enough to leave some 'meat'?

 

[Ashley Burton]

@slim_boy_fat Bit late for that as I've run a 6mm drill bit down it

I'm going to try a M8 tap

Either way I will get this glow plug out!

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Bit late for that as I've run a 6mm drill bit down it

1/4" is 6.35mm - I did say there wasn't much in it but that small difference might be enough, or try a 7mm drill?

 

[doubleboost]

The kit I use has a 7 mill tap
It has pulled a few out now

 

[Ashley Burton]

@doubleboost Have you done any Transits?

Just can't believe what a pig of a job!

I'm glad it's only the 1 that's snapped tbh

 

[doubleboost]

@doubleboost Have you done any Transits?

Just can't believe what a pig of a job!

I'm glad it's only the 1 that's snapped tbh

Yes not at all funny

 

[Ashley Burton]

@doubleboost I will not be beaten

 

[doubleboost]

Most modern diesels will start without them .
They are used to clean up the emissions with a cold engine they stay hot after the engine has started

 

[Ashley Burton]

@doubleboost I'm pretty certain this glow plug has been causing rough idle on cold starts. Just don't want to sell the van until I've fixed it

 

[m_c]

Just stick an 8mm drill down it.
The hollow centre guides the drill, so unless you're majorly off line, the worst you'll do is ovalise the hole a bit, which won't make any difference as long you don't wipe out the thread.

 

[Matchless]

Most modern diesels will start without them .
They are used to clean up the emissions with a cold engine they stay hot after the engine has started

they are also used for regenerating the DPF,,,,, well on BMW diesels, they start spot on with non working glow plugs but the DPF blocks as the regen process will not start..

 

[8ob]

Its worth giving the new ones a smear of ceramic grease if you intend keeping it, you can never be sure its not an electrical gremlin killing the glowplugs and they may need changing again.

Bob

 

[Ashley Burton]

Took the van for an 80 mile round trip & even gave it some beans! But this glow plug is proper stuck

Heading upto the peak district next weekend, So won't disturb it until I get back from there!

It's not looking pretty I must admit, Going to run a 7mm bit down the glow plug before stepping it upto an 8mm as I'm not convinced it's currently drilled that straight

Has anyone used one of these:

 

[doubleboost]

Took the van for an 80 mile round trip & even gave it some beans! But this glow plug is proper stuck

Heading upto the peak district next weekend, So won't disturb it until I get back from there!

It's not looking pretty I must admit, Going to run a 7mm bit down the glow plug before stepping it upto an 8mm as I'm not convinced it's currently drilled that straight

Has anyone used one of these:
View attachment 261494

Yes I have something very similar it has pulled a few out now

 

[Ashley Burton]

Yes I have something very similar it has pulled a few out now

Might be my next plan of action

 

[Melvyn Best]

Biggest problem is access, mine has worked every time once there is room to get at the glow plug

 

[truckdoctor]

If you get bits inside after drilling , tape a small tube on the end of your hoover hose and try and suck out the broken bits.