Unsiezing glowplug - Mondeo TDCI

Unsiezing glowplug - Mondeo TDCI

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Discussion

Transmitter Man

Original Poster:

4,253 posts

231 months

Sunday 6th January 2013
quotequote all
At least one is down as car only starts on Easy Start so prefer to change all four on this eBay shed I just picked up.

Very aware that these can break so would like to see what the PH brain trust suggest as best way to un-sieze?

Thanks.

Phil

jas xjr

11,309 posts

246 months

Sunday 6th January 2013
quotequote all
just change the other three . i did this on a xantia a few years ago started no problem

HustleRussell

25,205 posts

167 months

Sunday 6th January 2013
quotequote all
Jas xjr, the OP hasn't attempted it yet by the sounds of things, so hopefully all 4 will come out with minimal fuss.
The usual advice is to do this job with the engine warm. I expect some kind of penetrant like 'Plus Gas' will aid removal.

robseagul

344 posts

220 months

Sunday 6th January 2013
quotequote all
As above however I use a t bar instead of a ratchet as This let's you wiggle it back and forth giving better feel.if it snaps it is possible normally tk remove the plug in situ.r

DrDeAtH

3,618 posts

239 months

Sunday 6th January 2013
quotequote all
How I would do it:

Use an old paint brush to clear debris from around glow plugs BEFORE starting the job.

Get the engine hot, then apply PLUS GAS to each glow plug and allow to soak(about 15 mins each time), do this a few times. Then with the engine fully hot, attempt to remove the glow plugs. Start by tightening each one slightly before undoing. Work each one back and forwards with the T bar until it is loose enough to unscrew. Liberal applications of plus gas will help to lubricate the threads as it will penetrate.
WD40 WILL NOT WORK!!

Wear gloves and take your time.

I accept no responsibilty for the outcome if you manage to bugger it up.
This is just an advisory method.

Transmitter Man

Original Poster:

4,253 posts

231 months

Monday 7th January 2013
quotequote all
Thank you all.

Yes, T-bar and Plus Gas sounds the best idea.

Off to Halfrauds.

I prefer to change all four to minimise any breakdown in the future.

Worthwhile adding some Copperslip to the new glowplugs?

Phil

HustleRussell

25,205 posts

167 months

Monday 7th January 2013
quotequote all
I am not sure about this so I stand to be corrected, but personally I wouldn't use any anti-seize products on the glow plugs, for two main reasons
-The glow plug 'probably' has an anti seize coating on the threads already, like the zinc on a spark plug.
-Lubricating a threaded fixing will increase the fixing's tension for a given torque. It is the friction in the thread which causes your torque wrench to click off at it's pre-set torque- lubricating the fixing increases the torque at which this happens. In my opinion don't lubricate unless the maintenance manual specifically instructs it.

Mr2Mike

20,143 posts

262 months

Monday 7th January 2013
quotequote all
HustleRussell said:
-The glow plug 'probably' has an anti seize coating on the threads already, like the zinc on a spark plug.
Is that why spark plugs never seize? Wait....

_bryan_

250 posts

186 months

Monday 7th January 2013
quotequote all
If you know the brand of glowplug you should be able to find out what the breakage torque is.

Then use a torque wrench to undo them along with the advice used above regarding hot engine and plusgas. Keep the torque below the breakage torque and keep trying to undo them, if the torque wrench clicks, more heat and more plusgas, then try again.

Works everytime for me. The only problem is you'll need a torque wrench that does 0-50nm.

martycossie

90 posts

181 months

Monday 7th January 2013
quotequote all
are u shore its a glow plug problem not a fuel problem ?

ch427

9,742 posts

240 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
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i always put a small amount of copper grease on and tighten by hand, no torque wrench involved.

HustleRussell

25,205 posts

167 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
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Mr2Mike said:
HustleRussell said:
-The glow plug 'probably' has an anti seize coating on the threads already, like the zinc on a spark plug.
Is that why spark plugs never seize? Wait....
And that must mean that all spark plugs are free from anti-seize coatings scratchchin

Mr2Mike

20,143 posts

262 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
quotequote all
HustleRussell said:
And that must mean that all spark plugs are free from anti-seize coatings scratchchin
Or that the anti-seize coatings don't work very well scratchchin

HustleRussell

25,205 posts

167 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
quotequote all
May be wrong but I thought it was a fairly rare occurrence in cars which had been used and serviced properly, especially modern ones with aluminium heads? I'm no mechanic though.
What would you say in response to the original copperslip vs no copperslip question?

yodel

57 posts

159 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
quotequote all
If glow plugs are your problem then start by only changing the ones that will readily come out. If you only manage to change 3 you wont be breaking down. One faulty glow plug is highly unlikely to stop your car starting.

Does your car need easy start all the time? Only when its cold? Could you have an injector problem?

Mr2Mike

20,143 posts

262 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
quotequote all
HustleRussell said:
May be wrong but I thought it was a fairly rare occurrence in cars which had been used and serviced properly, especially modern ones with aluminium heads? I'm no mechanic though.
What would you say in response to the original copperslip vs no copperslip question?
Personally I'd use it, as I do on spark plug threads.

Transmitter Man

Original Poster:

4,253 posts

231 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
quotequote all
Hi Martyn,

Engine runs sweet after an Easy Start start so I don't think I have an injector or pump problem.

This shed has been neglected by it's previous owner who only replaced or repaired when it broke!

This of course costs double in the long run and I'm the sucker that's now determined to get this motor running as it should.

I should be attacking the glow plugs tomorrow.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Phil

DrDeAtH

3,618 posts

239 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
quotequote all
Smear some copaslip on the threads and seating face of the new plugs. It will help reduce the reaction between the disimilar metals of the head and glow plug which causes them to seize.

Good luck

one eyed mick

1,189 posts

168 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
quotequote all
Keep using easy start and you will make things worse get the thing repaired properly and life will be good again ,if you fr-g about bodging it will turn into more and more expense !!

DrDeAtH

3,618 posts

239 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
quotequote all
So.... whats the update?