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Old 11-22-2013, 03:32 PM
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uberwasser uberwasser is offline
1979 & 1985 300D's
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 1,097
Quote:
Originally Posted by Left Coast View Post
Perhaps it's because I have a low-mileage engine and it doesn't get very cold here, but the upgrade on my '79 really didn't make much difference. I do get faster starts with the pencil plugs, but I never had starting problems to begin with. I went with the 80035's because they were only a couple of bucks more than straight replacements. If the loop plugs are in good shape, and you have clean pre-chambers, then they will certainly get the car going. They just take a minute longer.
Very true.

Another motivation, though, is to eliminate one of the single points of failure from the system. As you know, with the loop plugs, if one of the loops breaks the entire glow system ceases to function. I had this happen to me about 6 months after buying my car; the #5 glow plug split in two and down she went. Thankfully it was summer in Tucson and the car still started for my wife who was out running errands when it happened, but on a cold day like today it might have left her stranded.

With the pencil plugs now one can fail, or on a warm day perhaps even two can fail, and the car will still start more easily.

Now all that's left in terms of failure points is the 80A fuse, which is much easier to carry spares for and much easier to replace in a parking lot, and of course the glow relay.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shortsguy1
Oh, and I know I am in the minority, but I really like using loop GPs in my 220D. I wouldn't own that car if speed of transportation was vitally important to me.
Totally fair, but reliability is another question, as noted above. It's absolutely your choice and preference, however.
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1979 300D 040 Black on Black - 1985 300D Maaco job (sadly sprayed over 199 Black Pearl Metallic) on Palamino

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