[dutchboy]

Happy Easter all!

I need to replace my glow plugs. Have been reading the various threads on here, but can't find the solution or cause of my apparent problem. I can get the wires of, I can get the plugs loose; just can't get the plug out. I can kind of move it back and forth (in and out) but can't pull the plug out. I'm guessing carbon build up, but that doesn't help. Any suggestions? I haven't pulled valve covers or fuel lines. 1983 300TDT

 

[moody]

Happy Easter all!

I need to replace my glow plugs. Have been reading the various threads on here, but can't find the solution or cause of my apparent problem. I can get the wires of, I can get the plugs loose; just can't get the plug out. I can kind of move it back and forth (in and out) but can't pull the plug out. I'm guessing carbon build up, but that doesn't help. Any suggestions? I haven't pulled valve covers or fuel lines. 1983 300TDT

Been there done that. I found a long handled vise grip (it was like 24" long) grasped the end of the plug and used the long handle as a level against the engine block. They popped right out and this was days after trying to get them out previously where they just spun around.

 

[Rmac58]

The ends may have "mushroomed", be careful and use quality plugs.

 

[300Dman]

I had that happen to me but not as bad. The tips of 2 of the Autolite Glow Plugs I had used became swollen and were extremely difficult too come out. Use only Bosch or Beru Glow Plugs.
I replaced the Autolites with Monrk Glow Plugs and one of those also failed in 1.5 Years so I got rid of them also and switched to Bosch and have had no issues for like 5 Years; but I am in a warm State.

Back to your problem. If you could loosen or soften the Carbon it would be a big help. Does the Plug back off enough to spray in some Penetrating Oil like PB Blaster? If so do that and repeat it. Time is also your friend and the repeated Oil and time to let it work over several days is helpful if you can leave the car alone.

After that it is brut force with the Vice Grips and something to pry between the Vice Grips and the cylinder Head.

If the tip of the Glow Plug comes off you will need to remove the Injector and go fishing for the tip inside of the Precombustion Chamber. You might need to push the tip into the Precombustion Chamber.
At the bottom of the Precombustion Chamber are like are about 5 holes 1/16 in diameter so the tip is not going to fall inside beyond the Precombustion Chamber.

Once the Glow Plug is out use a Glow Plug Reamer or some other method to clean the Carbon out of the holes.

I put a neeversieze compound on the threads when I install Glow Plugs.

In my case the swollen Glow Plug Tip was caused by the poor quality of the Autolite Glow Plugs. However, if your Injectors are spraying improperly and the Spray hits the Glow Plug that deforms the tip or simply cuts the tip off.

 

[dutchboy]

thank you!

Got it done, thanks for the feedback! I broke down and removed some of the fuel lines, wound up breaking one of the vacuum lines, but she's back together and running.

On to the next project: hmm, let's see, ignition switch, driver window, hatchback shocks .... Let me think on that

 

[Rmac58]

Keep us posted.