Broken Glow Plug - Searching forum didn't help!

[fstmatt]

I promise everyone I searched first for a solution, and I think this is a "different" broken glow plug problem.

I troubleshooted the GP system per instrucions on Diesel Giant's site, and found problem with plug #1. Removed the plug, and the heating element was... missing. Replaced the GP, car ran great for ~< 1 hr. But then GP relay light stopped lighting again. Pulled plug 1, and same thing - the heating element was been cracked off!

Any ideas of what can be cracking the glow plug? Since the GP is stationary, it can't be clearance b/w the piston(?). Could a stuck or badly misadjusted valve push down that far? What else is rattling around and destroying the glow plug?

I fear my engine toast - but hopefully someone can give me some good news...

'81 240D 616 engine.

[layback40]

What motor are we talking about?
Did you ream the carbon out of the GP hole?
There is not enough information in your post to provide any assistance.

[fstmatt]

Sorry, meant to include: '81 240D 616 engine. I did not ream out the carbon, but did not have any problems removing or installing any of the plugs.

[toddyvol]

So the end of the old and new glow plugs are still inside the engine?

[Aquaticedge]

oh boy. I wouldnt run it.

[vstech]

you likely have a damaged "ball" in the Precombustion chamber. pull the injector and lookinside. I'm betting it's damaged in there.
you are going to need a PC ring tool, and a PC removal tool... if I'm right...

[barry123400]

Bad spray pattern on the injector might do this. Usually just errodes the end of the glow plug. I would have the injector spray tested if nothing else is found.

You should be able to fish the broken piece out of the prechamber and check the ball at the bottom of the chamber. Also a good examination of the prechamber is in order. It could be seriouslyl breeched somehow.

[Diesel911]

vstech is right. Do not drive the car and pull the Injector and get any loose stuff out. Inspect the Ball Pin.

Also a bad Injector with a spray pattern the sprays on the Glow Plug can easily burn a Glow Plug up.

Hunter speaking of Glow Plugs dieing due to Carbon insulation
Injectors and Glow Plugs for Dummies

[soothappens]

Here's a few similar posts.
It will give you an idea of what your looking for.

IP Destroying Injectors, GP, and Prechamber? [long]

prechamber ball fell off

[fstmatt]

Thanks, my next question was going to be "can I fabricate something and not buy any special tools..." but that question was answered too.

Given this problem, and the assorted other remaining problems with the car - it might be time to send her up the river. Argh! But thanks everyone for chiming in.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by fstmatt

Thanks, my next question was going to be "can I fabricate something and not buy any special tools..." but that question was answered too.

Given this problem, and the assorted other remaining problems with the car - it might be time to send her up the river. Argh! But thanks everyone for chiming in.

Don't worry about pulling the Prechamber till you pull the Injector out and know there is a problem.

I believe Billybob has the needed Prechamber tools for rent in or tool rental program.

Some have done OK modifying a Socket to remove the Prechamber Retainer Ring. But, if you look close at the pics in this thread some of the rings got chewed up in removal.
It may even be harder to put the proper torque on the rings without the proper tool.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=207782

I came up with the below tool that keeps the tool from coming out of the Prechamber ring Slot (Slide Hammer not included):
Prechamber Ring Removal Tool and Prechamber Puller For Sale