Glow plug replacement - best way

[natac]

I need to replace my glow plugs and am wondering if anyone has insight on the easiest way to install ones closest to the firewall. Is it best to go directly at the back ones, or is it worth removing the intake manifold to improve access? Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nate

[Frybrid 524td]

I pulled the intake manifold to get to mine. You could probably get to them w/o doing this but it would be a major PITA.

[biotd]

I did mine recently and didn't pull anything off. Really wasn't that bad with a couple of socket joints and extension options. Oh and a little tape/grease/sticky something in the socket to keep the nuts in the socket.

Waited too long to do an easy project, car fires up right away now... was hard to start, lotsa white on startup, etc...

[altus22]

Removing the intake manifold is a big PITA. You can get 4, 5 and 6 with a few extensions and a universal joint. The same items make the first three much easier too.

[Frybrid 524td]

I replaced my coolant hoses and cleaned out the intake manifold while it was off. So I had a few reasons to get down in there. The manifold was filthy, but it pushed me to remove the EGR.

[natac]

Thanks for the replies. I got the job done this weekend using a U-joint next to the socket and various lengths of extensions. It took a while but it wasn't too bad. For anyone else taking on this job, I highly recommend you have a strong magnet on a telescoping rod at hand. A mechanic friend loaned me one when I told him I was doing this. It was a life-saver for getting the nuts and washers on and off, and even picking up a dropped glow plug along the way.

Also, I found the correct Bosch Duraterm glow plugs on ebay for $9 each (plus shipping).

Now my green light is back on and it fires right up!

Cheers,
Nate

[rcflyn]

I just got my 85 524td. This isn't my first diesel vehicle i've owned.
But, I know my G.P.s are bad (or assume so). I can get to 5 of the 6 plugs with my Volt Meter, and am getting voltage to them till the relay clicks off, telling me it's GP issues.

Since I've had the car, when the glow plug light goes out, it just goes out. what is this GREEN Light you are talking of?

I've downloaded a few manuals you guys have recommended, but haven't had the time to browse them yet..

[Frybrid 524td]

The green light is next to the orange glow plug light along the bottom of the instrument cluster. The orange light stays on when the glow plugs are heating, after they click off the green light should turn on to tell you that the engine is ready to be started. If the green light does not turn on you probably have a dead glow plug. After I changed my GPs, my green light started working again.

[rcflyn]

The green light is next to the orange glow plug light along the bottom of the instrument cluster. The orange light stays on when the glow plugs are heating, after they click off the green light should turn on to tell you that the engine is ready to be started. If the green light does not turn on you probably have a dead glow plug. After I changed my GPs, my green light started working again.

AAAHHH HHHAAA... So that's what that Circular Arrow thingie is. The orange light light lights up, goes out, and nothing else lights up. So Now I know what that circular arrow is. I Knew from the get go, it had G.P. Problems, Previous owner informed me of it. No biggie. Just sucks having to plug it in at night, then, use starting fluid after sitting in a parking lot for several hours. (I know, Starting fluid's a bad idea. I'll turn Key on, Pop Hood, Walk around and open hood, Squirt S.F. Into air box, close hood, Get back in car, Sit there for several more seconds allowing glow plugs to cool down (should any be working) THEN, crank car to start it).
So, now, I guess it's off to e-bay, when funding allows, and get a new set of Plugs...

Thanks for the explaination...