Glow Plug Quality??
 

Hi All,

I found my glow plugs for my '90' 300D 2.5 turbo, 602.962 engine, just turned 100,000 miles, are on their way out again. I changed them previously w/i the last 10,000 miles. The set prior to that had maybe 20,000 miles on them before burning out. Tghe labor to change these is a real PITA b/c the charge piping for the turbo and injector lines and throttle linkage are all in the way and need to be moved/removed to perform the work. Let alone the $$ for the plugs and my labor.

I run B100 the majority of the time and have suspicions it may play a role. although others running B100 I know have not experienced this problem. Interested to here if others associated with the forum have.

I am interested in others experience with the longevity of these plugs. I do not have loads of experience with diesels. Is it possible the control cycle for these is too long, burning them out? Is the quality of the glow plugs an issue, Bosch is Bosch, correct? Is it my B100 that is corrodingor overheating the plugs?

I have tested all the plugs resistance to ground and found one to be open. Form my experience of changing them last time I expect they are all on their way out.

Any help would be welcomed. Thanks.

BKJ

Answer:
 

Quality is poor. :(
Current average glow plug life is fourteen months. :(
This is based upon work related R&R, and personal vehicle. :(
Brand does not seem to matter. :(

Personal vehicle 1985 300SD.

good timing on this thread. i am planning to switch mine out today.

your car is a 1990 300d?

If it were an older car that orig had the series plugs upgraded to the pencil style then I would think that the glow cycle would be too long.

How long does your gp light stay on?

Have you tried starting it before the light shuts off to see how it fires up with lesser glow cycle time?

Thanks
 

Whunter,
Thanks for the input. I had heard from others of poor quality on recent gp's. The troubling part is this is a 3 to 4 hour job for me to accomplish. not to mention the $$ foir the parts and wear and tear on the parts (remove and replace). Thanks again.

Lofat,
All appears to be operating as it should. Light cycles properly and starts rough w/o allowing to end cycle (had done by accident in the past). Changing out these buggers in this vehicle is a definite PITA. Get creative w/ extensions and universal joints.

Thanks, BKJ

My Bosch glow plugs are 18 months old and knock on wood still seem to be fine.