Glow Plugs.....Go figure
 

Glow plug indicator light doesn't light up and my 1977 300D won't start. Checked out the 4 month old glow plugs and #3 was dead.

Now the dumb question. Does one bad glow plug keep me from starting.

I don't feel so dumb however after calling the MB dealer and they had no idea that the older loop style glow plugs existed.

HELP

JCD

Well..........
 

I swapped out the number three and number 5 glow plugs and removed the insulator from number 5 to complete the circuit.

She started after a few cranks.

I know that I'm not a diesel expert, but I sure wish I had a dealer near by that had a clue, at least about glow plugs.

JCD

As you now know, yes, one bad plug on the loop style and they won't work at all. They are wired in series.

jcd,

Do you mean you are now running with 4 wodking GP instead of 5? IF so, you are running 20% higher voltage to the 4 working GP with the potential of burning out more GP.

P E H

Considered just an emergency kind of thing to get you started I think. Boosts current draw through the relay as well so is not a great thing. You want to replace that bad plug as soon as possible so you can have cleaner starts anyways. A lot of these older engines will not start with no glowplugs working. Even wonder if a tow would do it on some but the 240d with standard should come to life with a tow I think. These earlier models should have a spare glow plug and wrench plus some item on board to find the offending plug probably at all times in an emergency kit. :)

I had a set of Bosch ones take a dump on me a few months after they went in also, go figure. :confused:

Took a few hours to R&R them with some Champion ones, those have been in longer and still work great.

bosch
 

bosch for me. go figure... they usually dont fail.

If the Federal Mogul ones take a dump on me, I'll probably reuse that brand depending on how long of a life I get from them OR go with the NGKs I found for the 617.