I pulled one glow plug out the other day (replacing the rest today) and noticed that the sheathed filament was covered in black liquidy stuff.....looked just like oil!!!!!! Is this to be expected? What does this possibly indicate? Could it be just carbon build up mixed with the diesel or somethin' like that? I will let you guys know more when I pull out the rest...

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1983 300SD White with Grey interior

Hey,

Check out my post: glow plug picture - is this bad?
There is a picture of the glow plug which I pulled out from my 1987 OM603.
I wonder if your GP look similar. Let us know.
I have asked many people about it, and they say I should not worry about it.

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1987 300D Turbo, 190K miles
Renovation in progress...

It looked very similar and had me concerned....but, it was only on the #3 glowplug which was dead as a door nail. Figures, I guess if it doesnt get hot that stuff wont burn off.

I changed 4 glowplugs (couldnt get the last one). Glow plug light comes on now for about 2 or 3 seconds (is that alright?), but I can still hear the relay click thirty seconds later. Problem is I cranked my engine so many times when all the plugs were dead that my battery no longer has enough juice for the starter . Oh well, ill have to get a jump later and see the fruits (or spoils) of my efforts.

One last question...if my glow plug light comes on does that nessecarily mean the relay works? And, why would it only come on for such a short duration?

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1983 300SD White with Grey interior