Hi. How long should glow plugs last?

I just found a dead glow plug. They were replaced 28K miles ago. They are Autolites. Is this normal? Also, I've seen advertised a Bosch glow plug controller that is supposed to keep the glow plugs hot for 3 minutes. Does anybody have experience with this?

Thanks!

Randy

From what I have read here, Autolite glow plugs have a reputation for short life span. Others recommend Beru or Bosch.

The extended glow cycle controllers are known to work well but also mentioned is their tendency to shorten glow plug life.

Are you having starting problems? A good brand of glow plugs and valve adjustment helped mine significantly.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I've heard autolites are crap, and you are lucky you got that far with them. Bosch all the way.

__________________
1989 300E 144K

Glow plug seem to be like light bulbs, I don't know what the mean time to failure is but they just randomly fail at the least opportune times. I'm not surprised that you have a dead one after 20k+ miles. Most folks here would not recommend Autolites, I have had good luck with Bosch.

I have the Bosch GP relay with the afterglow feature in my 300D. It seems to help the engine run smoother, with less smoke for the first couple of minutes.

Not having starting problems yet (!). The glow plug dash light is not coming on. So I decided to check the #1 plug and it was dead. By the way, these puppies are hard to reach. It took me forever with a 12mm open end wrench. What's the best tool for removal? A deep socket? A ratcheting box wrench?

The Bosch controller sounds like a good idea. Does anybody have a part number?

Thanks!

Randy

1984 300TD
wvo

This is the relay kit:

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/quote.jsp?clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&cookieid=1CQ0J3JZ41PB0NZIV4&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&partner=mercedesshop&year=1984&product=F1101-60420&application=000483705

The consensus seems to be that it's easier to change the GPs by removing the fuel lines. Personally, I just stuff my hands through the lines and use a short wrench.

Great! I'll get the controller and maybe remove the lines this time.

Where and how does the controller mount? Is this a replacement part or an add-on?


r

thats how i lost my 8mm wrench to the ip. put a string on yours just in case.

i removed the lines on my 300. wow so much room! wratchiting boxes are the way to go. the space ro remove the plugs is not socket friendly. the small socket is too short and the next size is too long in some places.

__________________
currently
[1981 300 td tdidi 165500 dark brown/palamino-Brownie-mine-3k miles of ownership
1983 240d 162+++ Anthricite grey w/ henna red interior and hella lights-wifes car-Red

the above two cars are for sale
and can be seen on the cars for sale thread here. pix also available.


240d-144+ Manilla Yellow w/ palmino interior-greasecar kit-Blondie-the college kids car

23" gt 21 speed still on original tires-still got the nubs
21" khs tandem

It's probably easier to remove the lines, I've just never bothered. Fortunately, I can usually loosen mine about 1/2 turn with a wrench and then just unscrew them with my fingers. The 240D is considerably easier than the 300D.

The relay replaces the stock relay, mounted on the left fender well, behind the left headlight. It looks just like the new one, with a black plastic cover that just snaps off. It's very easy to get to, and the electrical connections just unplug. Replacing the relay should be quicker than replacing the plugs.

I replaced mine with Autozone Bosch units for 9.99 per unit and it was a pain, but with patience I was able to get them all out. I tested my suspected 'bad' ones and they all tested good. So I put them away with my other stash of W123 stuff.

__________________
91 350SD
14 F150 Eco
19 Fusion Hybrid
11 GT500