Well I doubt that it is your glo plugs that are causing a short. Here is what you could do - make an end cap out of a piece of plastic tubing or use duck tape to easily wrap the end terminal end of each glow plug wire. If your engine is 5 cylinder you will have five wires, 6 cylinder 6 wires. I think that on the W123 there is a wire from the glow plug controller to a temperature sender also. Is it possible that you have the temperature control wire going to a glow plug. Anyway, with all ends insulated with duck tape, install your glow plug wires one at a time. When or after it is installed, check to see if it works and make sure the fuse doesn't blow. Make sure the insulation stays around your wires until you install them. Will a car start without glow plugs on a hot day. Many will, but not all will start. On the 616 and 617 engines the valves have to be adjusted pretty right. I thought your later engine was an easier started engine, what with hydraulic lifters and such, but maybe I am wrong.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!