Glow Plug Tutorial - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SwarfEye · #1 01-10-2007, 02:01 PM

Hey all,

I'm new to this forum... and to Mercedes Diesels in general... but not to cars.

Anyway, about 3 months ago I bought a '81 300TD, and I love the thing. Runs like a champ with 267K miles on it!

Yesterday, my glow plug light stopped comming on when I turned the key. I could still get the car to start, but it was tougher and a bit smoky. Once it is running for a minute everything seems to be prefectly normal.

Seems like there is something wrong with my glow plug system.

Is there a tutorial someplace that I could read to get me up to speed on how the glow plug system works, what to look for, and how to replace components?

Also, I've got access to a pretty good junk yard that generally has a couple of old Mercedes Diesels kicking around so I could pull a bunch of glow plugs from old engines... or should I just buy them new?

Thanks,

Bill

justinperkins · #2 01-10-2007, 02:04 PM

Diesel Giant has answers for you...
http://dieselgiant.com/glowplugrepair.htm

vstech · #3 01-10-2007, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwarfEye

Also, I've got access to a pretty good junk yard that generally has a couple of old Mercedes Diesels kicking around so I could pull a bunch of glow plugs from old engines... or should I just buy them new?

unless you are really strapped for cash, I would get a set of new ones from autozone for about 10.00 each. (get them two at a time and have your frequent buyer card stamped 3 times.) it's a pain to change them, so using used ones just doubles your pain.
John

MattBelliveau · #4 01-10-2007, 02:37 PM

Also, make sure you don't get cheap ones. Bosch is the way to go, but if you can't get those, stay AWAY from autolites. And make sure you ream those holes...

Stevo · #5 01-10-2007, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBelliveau

Also, make sure you don't get cheap ones. Bosch is the way to go, but if you can't get those, stay AWAY from autolites. And make sure you ream those holes...

Good advice.."Monarch" and "Champions" and junk too.

SwarfEye · #6 01-10-2007, 10:47 PM

Thanks guys, that sheet is exactly what I was looking for!!!

Seems like the glow plugs are actually pretty easy to get to on the older models? No? Sounded like it was just on the newer 6 bangers that you had to remove the intake manifold... I think I can see the plugs on my 5 cylinder engine and they look like a breaze to service.

What is the story with the reamer? No info on that in the tutorial. I assume that the goal is simply to get the crap out of the hole so that the new plugs seat well.

Where do I get ahold of one of these things? If someone knew the exact diameter of the glow plug hole, I could just order the correct sized reamer from McMaster Carr, or some other machine tool vendor... Or is this a magic special reamer?

Thanks,

Bill

justinperkins · #7 01-10-2007, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwarfEye

6 bangers

That's a new one. You know it's a bigger engine than the older 617 right?

vstech · #8 01-10-2007, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwarfEye

I think I can see the plugs on my 5 cylinder engine and they look like a breaze to service.

yup, it's easier on the 5cyl, but trust me, it's NOT easy. unless you have REALLY tiny hands, you will cut yourself, and you will curse the rear plugs.

at a minimum, wear gloves. it's easiest, if you remove the injector lines.

John