Glow plugs

[andycallaghan]

I have two questions about glow plugs that I hope someone can answe:

1) Do the glow plugs need to be routinely changed, or only when problems occur? My V70 D5 is coming up to 6 years, has done 110,000 miles, but is still on original glow plugs. Are they worth changing?

2) Has anyone got any experience with Delphi glow plugs? Or what ones would you recommend? How much are genuine Volvo ones?

Ta

Andy

[BillB]

My 10 year old Tdi V70 has done about 175k on the original glowplugs. I think that if it starts OK leave them alone. Regards

[rippedoffagain]

My 'knowledge' on this is purely theoretical, so take it or leave it.

Glow plugs don't need to be changed as a matter of routine. Unlike spark plugs there are no parts that you would expect to wear out. They are nothing more than mini heaters.

Like any part though, they can and do sometimes fail. Before you write them off though, check that they are getting power to them as sometimes the relay that powers them fails, giving the illusion of duff plugs.

[grass hopper]

Originally Posted by andycallaghan

I have two questions about glow plugs that I hope someone can answe:

1) Do the glow plugs need to be routinely changed, or only when problems occur? My V70 D5 is coming up to 6 years, has done 110,000 miles, but is still on original glow plugs. Are they worth changing?

2) Has anyone got any experience with Delphi glow plugs? Or what ones would you recommend? How much are genuine Volvo ones?

Ta

Andy

if it aint broke ............

never changed any in years on this engine,very reliable.

[jpliddy]

im just unlucky or useing inferior plugs bocsh .i changed mine 3 years ago then in the cold snap coud not start the car found no 1 and 3 dead so all is o k .so i have bought 6 and will replace all of them when weather is good i dont want to get caught out in the winter as thats when they let you down

[jpliddy]

genuine cost me over £90 for 6 , bocsh cost £35 i think genuine are beru so if you want them try g.s.f . shoud be alot cheaper than main dealers

[Borzoi dad]

As said previously glow plugs are only mini heaters. I did almost 200k miles in a diesel Rover without a glow plug problem and then it was only one faulty plug. I would be content to leave them alone.

[chopper_harris]

The old girl has been sluggish to start these past few days, so I though I would buzz out the resistance of the glow plugs

Cyl - Resistance

1 - 38.4 Ω
2 - ∞
3 - ∞
4 - 260 kΩ
5 - 9.5 kΩ


As the nominal resistance should be around 0.7Ω, I need 5 new glow plugs.
It is a testament to the D5 engine that it will start at -5'C without glow plugs.

Thankfully I'm back to work on Jan 10, so this is not an urgent job.

[sebaveh]

Burned-out plugs won't do damage, but they are harder to remove if you let them in for very long. I had an experience with Goldoni tractor and VM Detroit Diesel engine. It started for 8 winters, but failed on 9th. I didn't change them immediately, but after year and a half. It took a little force to pull them out, as the tips were loaded with carbon black. But nothing critical.

[Laney760]

I'd leave well alone

In a total of 10 years driving various (very old, high mileage) diesels I've never ever had to change a glow plug, never had a diesel that didn't start in the cold. Now, if I was to tell you about how many petrol motors I've owned that didn't like cold starts....!