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[Jetstream]

Family member has a 95 CDi which is running fine. The glowplug light sometimes stays on for longer than it should but then goes off.

I'm normally all about preventative maintenance with cars I've bought - which would mean I'd suggest that they get all 3 changed. (Car has done 80k)

But(!) I've read on here the risks about burnt in plugs and the dangers of snapping one off resulting in £xxxx bill for machining a new head.

What would you do ?

[Problemchild]

if its not struggling to start then i'd leave it be

you could start utilising some plus gas from time to time when under the bonnet to try and get some penetration into the threads

JJ

[Alex]

I would advise buying the plugs and changing them when weather permits and they can have the car off the road for at least one whole day, to allow some good penetrating fluid to soak in. Not an urgent matter but it's still important, and like the thermostat can have quite an impact on fuel economy, if you do shorter journeys especially.

They help not only with startup but come on in normal running as well to help heat up the engine and minimize emissions.

Gone are the days of diesels only running on compression.

[mozilla]

but it's still important, and like the thermostat can have quite an impact on fuel economy, if you do shorter journeys especially.

They help not only with startup but come on in normal running as well to help heat up the engine and minimize emissions.

Gone are the days of diesels only running on compression.

I really doubt this is true. Igniting diesel gives off heat so flame front cylinder temperatures are like 600 oC or 500 with egr open

[mr singh]

They help not only with startup but come on in normal running as well to help heat up the engine and minimize emissions.

Gone are the days of diesels only running on compression.

I do recall from a training course that the glow plugs are use for start up and if the temperature is too low. Diesels have gotten quieter but thats down to fueling strategy's. A little fue is injected in and that sets of the burn and then the main injection. Because the fuel is already being ignited and burned before the main injection it helps slow the burn. If there was 1 injection of fuel then there would be a big bang causing a lot of diesel knock. A pre injection amd then a main injection helps reduce diesel knock. Wethere thats true for the forfour i dont know.

As for replacing the glow plugs, give it a go but be very patient take your time and use lots of penetration fluid

[Jetstream]

Thanks - will definitely not attempt this ourselves. I suppose it would need to be a long trip again to S2Smarts or similar but not sure if they have the parking space to leave overnight for a good soak !

 

[mr singh]

im sure they'll make space!