Fellas,
I used the DIY article on the forum to change my glow plugs over the weekend. I have limited "shadetree" mechanics skills, and found the step-by-step instructions to be very thorough. Thanks again for posting the DIY instructions!

One question: Did anyone have an extremely difficult time removing the glowplugs after they had been unthreaded? I didn't have a problem backing the threads out, but the tolerence between the plugs and block was so small that it took me three hours to remove the glow plugs. The plug that is closest to the firewall was the worst to get out given that you cannot get any leverage due to the oil filter location.

Oxidizer Trap
My oxidizer trap was making a really nasty rattling noise during idle. I figured it was the element inside of it. I removed the "charcoal" looking stuff inside the can by shoving a long screwdriver in there and knocking the stuff out. It took a while, but now there is no noise. Further, the exhaust looks stock so no one can tell that I have changed anything. I didn't notice a change in performance or fuel mileage.

I find a lot of value in this forum. Have a good day.

__________________
Ed
-1984 Mercedes 190D 2.2 5-speed gray market(bought@30,000 miles) (Sold back to original owner@170,000 miles)
-1999 Mercedes E300DT (245,000 miles)
-1999 Mercedes S500 Grand Edition (80,000 miles)