Glow Plugs - Any Recommendations???

MikeM · Post by **MikeM** » 07 Sep 2009, 13:37

Hi all,

Does anyone have any recommendations on make/type etc for new glow plugs. Prices on eBay range from £7ea for Bosch Chromium to £14 for a set of 4 (AC Delco I think).

Don't want to fit crappy ones just to save a few quid but also don't fancy getting mugged

They're to fit a Xantia 1.9TD.

Cheers

Mike
(proud owner of a pile of bits that was this time last week, a Xantia engine

)

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 07 Sep 2009, 13:51

BERU is the boy! Certainly throughout the time I've read postings here on
FCF the same name keeps cropping up time and again and that's what I've
fitted on all of mine.

It's worth mentioning here a dodge I've learned from the past posts too.
When removed, cut a tiny gap on the glowplug supply wire terminal ring
with just enough room to slide on/off the glowplug that's normally hidden
behind the fuel pump. You be glad of it come reassembly as you can start
to thread the nut on before threading the glowplug onto the head!

Nice little fix for the future too.

Andrew

MikeM · Post by **MikeM** » 07 Sep 2009, 13:58

Thanks Andrew, I'll start looking out for them.

Great tip too. I guessed that poor access was why both glow plugs up that end had apparently never been replaced, the other two looked brand new but these look like matches that have burned down to your fingers

Cheers
Mike

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 07 Sep 2009, 14:09

Some decent informative background from BERU glowplugs in a pdf here:

http://www.w124performance.com/docs/gen ... _info2.pdf

Andrew

KP · Post by KP » 07 Sep 2009, 14:36

People on Veg forums usually reccomend Bosch Duraterm for the XUD and Merc engines as they seem to get that bit hotter and last a bit longer too, very usefull if you run veg as as well or get quite cold snaps in winter.

uncle buck · Post by **uncle buck** » 07 Sep 2009, 18:10

When fitting the new glow plugs give the threads of them a smear of copper slip grease to aid removal in the future.

Stay well away from NGK glow plugs ....they're not suited to the TD engine...I have this on good authority.

Cheers.

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 07 Sep 2009, 18:46

Sorry to contradict you uncle buck but the Beru pdf says not to use any grease or oil on the threads

...and I've fitted NGK's to my MK2 with no problems so far.

Post by **myglaren** » 07 Sep 2009, 19:48

What about some graphite on the threads. Electrically conductive and as far as I am aware heat resistant.

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 07 Sep 2009, 20:58

I actually think grease or oil is fine (if they are prone to corroding). The biggest worry IMO is they're susceptible to damage through overtightening - if they distort in the chamber they might not come out again. They're also quite fragile inside and easily damaged.

vince · Post by **vince** » 07 Sep 2009, 21:24

Well boys, Beru rules the roost in our glow plug sales at work. They are used by all our independant specialists from Citroen through Mercs to BMW's and VAG models.

The PDF reminds me that my glow plugs are absolutely knackered and need changine..

Any tips on doing the hard to get at ones?

Post by **myglaren** » 07 Sep 2009, 21:35

vince wrote:Well boys, Beru rules the roost in our glow plug sales at work. They are used by all our independant specialists from Citroen through Mercs to BMW's and VAG models.

The PDF reminds me that my glow plugs are absolutely knackered and need changine..

Any tips on doing the hard to get at ones?

Absolutely - trick an unsuspecting FCF member into doing it for you while you contemplate the universe from the sanctuary of the nearest pub

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 07 Sep 2009, 21:36

vince wrote: Any tips on doing the hard to get at ones?

Bribe Jim with roast duck and cups of tea. That's my plan as Cassy needs hers doing. Course for the bribe I'll probably just settle for some advice from him

dieseldoggy · Post by **dieseldoggy** » 08 Sep 2009, 02:20

i got one of those so called long handled heater plug spanners to do mine? don't bother useless!
can't beat a 1/4 drive deep socket set esp with wobble bar and an old bedford ring spanner the thin one with ends offset/stepped fits great on one behind pump.plus got a pair of those long nose/handled pliers from halfrauds double pivoted/compound action not cheap but bloogy great tool! and you can use a bit of blue tack to hold nut on spanner/socket when refitting.
My friend gave me his jubilee clip long handled flexy nut driver which is great for removing pipe work.

good tip is to collect some spare nuts as you always drop them?

If anyones stuck my neck of the woods could help them out!

I'm thinking of spliting the feed to mine running them as pairs with two feeds. has find with one feed it always seams to be that plug gets the most burnt?

uncle buck · Post by **uncle buck** » 08 Sep 2009, 09:32

MikeT wrote:Sorry to contradict you uncle buck but the Beru pdf says not to use any grease or oil on the threads

...and I've fitted NGK's to my MK2 with no problems so far.

No problem

Have always used copper slip on the threads of glow plugs & spark plugs...in fact I grease up most things I put back together so I know I have a chance of getting it apart again when the time comes.

Forget what the Beru pdf says & use a smear of grease it will save you hassel in the long run...and yes do not over tighten.

Was told by an NGK themselves that their glow plugs "Maybe weren't best suited" to the 1.9 TD engine after fitting 2 sets on the trot & suffering very poor cold starting problems. The glow plugs were actually sent back to NGK for tests and the above was their response!

Cheers.

dieseldoggy · Post by **dieseldoggy** » 08 Sep 2009, 11:24

copperslip or graphite is good on threads.esp on spark plugs in alloy heads plus you should use some on wheel nuts.
Ive some graphite powder.just need a smear and works a treat.
What i think Beru are on about is that they seam to cut their threads in as you screw them in so they seal.Like they are very slightly off pitch?