Someone knows a way to check to see if you're getting 12v to the plugs, I forget.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

Sure, just measure the voltage between the GPs and ground while they're supposed to be glowing. I usually see about 11V at the GPs.

That sounds like a great option. I had seen that relay on one website, but did not realize precisely what it was. Thanks for providing that info.

Don't think I agree with this on the 123 engines. I expect about fifteen years at least out of my glow plugs. Might be a different story on the 606 though.

__________________
Len
'59 220S Cabriolet-SOLD and living happily in Malta
'83 240D 351,500 miles original owner-SOLD
'88 560SL 41,000 miles - totaled and parted out
https://sites.google.com/site/mercedesstuff/home
'99 E300 turbo 227,500 miles
'03 SLK320 40,000 miles - gave to my daughter
'14 Smart electric coupe 28,500 miles
'14 Smart electric cabriolet 28,500 miles
'15 Smart electric coupe 28,000 miles

Good luck, I probably replace 2 or 3 per year on my 300D, they probably have an average life of 2-3 years in my cars.

Maybe that "after glow" relay reduces the lifespan of the plugs.

I suspect that it does, they get a lot more use. Also, I drive about 40K miles per year. Fortunately, they are pretty easy to replace on the 617 engine.

I know this sounds real "shade tree", but I just got one of those thermometers with the little red laser that shoots out the front. I've been having harder starts than usual in the mornings, so I checked the temps with the thermometer. Cylinders 1 and 4 were 20 degrees cooler than 2 and 3. I'll probably replace those two sometime this week. The thermometer was a gift, so I don't know what they go for.

Otto
'79 240D

Not a bad "quick and dirty" way to check them without getting your hands dirty. Those IR instruments are handy for checking the accuracy of your temperature gauge and looking fro cold spots in the radiator, etc.

Glow plugs link thread
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/137732-glow-plugs-link-thread.html#post1019018








Have a great day.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Did "Never change your oil" guy give you the Scarlet Letter??

__________________
1987 300D (230,000 mi on a #14 head-watching the temp gauge and keeping the ghost in the machine)
Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi!

No, I found out about it through the SEB weblog.

I use the top of the power steering fluid reservoir as a ground, not as far a reach as to battery terminal (-).

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

I've owned my 240D since new. Changed the glow plugs in 1998 for the first time just because I didn't have anything better to do. All were still good. It's been ten years on them and I do think I did have one fail a few years ago. Got the next change scheduled for 2013.

__________________
Len
'59 220S Cabriolet-SOLD and living happily in Malta
'83 240D 351,500 miles original owner-SOLD
'88 560SL 41,000 miles - totaled and parted out
https://sites.google.com/site/mercedesstuff/home
'99 E300 turbo 227,500 miles
'03 SLK320 40,000 miles - gave to my daughter
'14 Smart electric coupe 28,500 miles
'14 Smart electric cabriolet 28,500 miles
'15 Smart electric coupe 28,000 miles

Sounds like my wife's 240D, but it only gets 5-10K miles per year, probably less.