pulled my prechambers today. they're intact except for the first one. it has a little glowplug sized semicircle worn into the bottom of the glowplug inlet . don't ask.
well, i see no other damage or cracks. should i just clean it and run it? I don't see how the extra space in the glow plug opening will affect the operation.

I pulled them to inspect for damage and I think the only damage is what I caused. other than being a little covered with carbon, all holes are open and free and the little diffuser balls that sit below the injector look good and relatively clean.

__________________
'82 240D 224K miles manual transmission
mods: wooden 4by4 bumper, EGR delete and older EX manifold without EGR port, glass pack muffler (cheapest replacement muffler), rebuilt bosch injectors with Monark nozzles

working on: aux electric fuel pump, coolant/fuel heat exchanger/filter head, afterglow, low oil pressure buzzer/LED

If it isn't cracked or bent it's probably okay, but a replacement can't be that expensive...

__________________
$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

Since you have the setup to remove the retaining ring and pull the chamber you can get another one at the Junk Yard.
Note the numbers on the rim of the prechamber as they have changed over they years; try to get one from the same year engine.

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I think it's damaged, you should get a replacement.

__________________
1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

I would use it.

__________________
84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

That damage area (the cavity) will develop a high heat spot during combustion. I wouldn't want to risk compromising the integrity of the prechamber as I we all know when the prechamber ball starts coming apart, distruction happens in the combustion chamber.

.

__________________
1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

They're cheap enough to replace, so just do it.

__________________
Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

I am suprized one of our members does not have an extra prechamber they would part with for some cash.

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel