79 OM616 loop or pin type glow plugs?

[diametricalbenz]

I have been calling around for 79 240d engines for my languishing 240D and there seems to be discrepancy (with the supplier) about whether or not the 79 engine is supposed to have pin or loop style glow plugs. My existing engine configuration has the R4 type AC compressor and loop type plugs.

Was 79 a crossover year for the York to R4 compressor?
Was that model year originally fitted with pin or loop type glow plugs?

[Johnhef]

Its possible. My '78 of course had the loop and my friends '80 had the pin. I think any of the online parts catalogs will give an engine split for the plug when you look it up for a 1979 to give you the exact spot.

[diametricalbenz]

Originally Posted by Johnhef

Its possible. My '78 of course had the loop and my friends '80 had the pin. I think any of the online parts catalogs will give an engine split for the plug when you look it up for a 1979 to give you the exact spot.

Thanks. Unfortunately I don't have the car in front of me. It takes 2 hours to wade through traffic to get there so I don't have the engine code.

I am trying to make the engine swap as easy as possible. I would rather have an exact replacement with the loop type plugs in place rather than having to tear down the old engine and swap the plugs and the wiring. The seller seems reluctant to check to see what type of plugs are in the engines that he has for sale for some reason. Is there a way to quickly identify them without pulling them from the block?

[Johnhef]

The nut on the loop style are much bigger (19mm,21mm??) than that pin style, which are 12mm.

Even if it has the loop style, switch it over to the fastglow pencil style system. I did it to mine, SO much better. Faster glow time and no more knocking after startup.

[diametricalbenz]

Originally Posted by Johnhef

The nut on the loop style are much bigger (19mm,21mm??) than that pin style, which are 12mm.

Even if it has the loop style, switch it over to the fastglow pencil style system. I did it to mine, SO much better. Faster glow time and no more knocking after startup.

I am considering doing that but I am trying to keep the engine and installation costs down to a minimum. I am debating what to do with the car once it's done. I am not sure if it's going to deliver the mileage I am hoping for. If i keep it I will change the plugs and relay but for the meantime I can wait a few seconds longer. After all it is a 240D.