Glowplug woes!!

[EmilysDad]

Good luck

 

[Wighty]

Advanced stuff buddy , keep us updated

 

[John Laidlaw]

Good luck- if you perfect something you might get some business from some indies on here!

 

[Botus]

Update.
Having done quite a bit of research myself and watched Utube videos etc I have have realised that there are no Glowplug removal tools available for broken plugs such as the ones I am struggling with. ie centre electrode snapped level with top of thread!
Luckily I have access to machine tools so today I have been experimenting with various removal methods of my own. My best idea up to now is to machine some stainless steel sleeves that will fit over the electrode to allow me to drill it out. I have tested it on one of the old plugs that I removed the other day and it worked, leaving enough tube clear to tap in a thread for retrieval. I will then drill out the old threaded piece and use a puller to extract the plug......hopefully. It's one thing doing tricky jobs on the bench but a different story on the car!...Wish me luck

The risk of what you are attempting is significant. there are PLENTY of mobile experts who do this everyday and have the tools and experience

Is it a good idea.. when the risk could be a new engine if bits drop in and you don't notice. Or not much better, you end up needing a new cylinder head and 6 hours labour charge to swap it over?

Have you asked why great independent garages with lots of experience call in a specialist ?

 

[320pilot]

The risk of what you are attempting is significant. there are PLENTY of mobile experts who do this everyday and have the tools and experience

Is it a good idea.. when the risk could be a new engine if bits drop in and you don't notice. Or not much better, you end up needing a new cylinder head and 6 hours labour charge to swap it over?

Have you asked why great independent garages with lots of experience call in a specialist ?

Where are the specialists you mention?

 

[Botus]

Where are the specialists you mention?

my advice is to consult with one of the good independent garages that advertise and contribute here for who they use
I also don't know your location
you try this on google (but a recco from this forum would be best idea...) mobile glow plug removal service

 

[320pilot]

my advice is to consult with one of the good independent garages that advertise and contribute here for who they use
I also don't know your location
you try this on google (but a recco from this forum would be best idea...) mobile glow plug removal service

I am in Hull.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Someone like this then?
http://www.injector-removal-service.co.uk/services/seized-glowplug-removal/

 

[320pilot]

Someone like this then?
http://www.injector-removal-service.co.uk/services/seized-glowplug-removal/

About 200 miles from me John.

 

[John Laidlaw]

About 200 miles from me John.

Oops- didn’t check thoroughly sorry, but I noted there are others- think the closest I saw to you was County Durham- still not all that close!

 

[KennyN]

When I replaced mine I was advised to use De-block oil for a few days prior to removal. A piece of small dia tubing made sure I got right into the plug threads.

I have them a spray twice a day before starting the car to ensure the fluid got a chance to get to work with a warm engine.

I also left mine idling for a good while to ensure the engine was as warm as possible prior to remove.

Hope your device proves sucessful.

Kenny

 

[320pilot]

Bought the cls about two weeks ago and have been pleased with the performance etc. Had a health check done which revealed a faulty glowplug. Starting was a bit slow at first but since this cold snap it became much more reticent untl a few days ago it refused to fire at all. I plugged in a diagnostic code reader and it came up with a Glow plug module fault. Having read that these are a common problem I have purchased a new one along with a set of glowplugs. I set about the task of replacing the plugs yesterday and began with the nearside bank which I assumed would be the most difficult and hard to get to. No problem at all as the engine was as hot as possible and they came out relatively easy. My attention then turned to accessing the offside bank and horror of horrors found that the connector plugs were not fastened and the plug tops had been removed leaving only the thread and centre electrode. Please see photograph. I know that there are removal tools available with special drills etc but would they help to remove the remaining plugs? If not, how is it possible to drill an accurate hole in the plug with the centre electrode still present?
Any help will be appreciated.

Update.
Having done quite a bit of research myself and watched Utube videos etc I have have realised that there are no Glowplug removal tools available for broken plugs such as the ones I am struggling with. ie centre electrode snapped level with top of thread!
Luckily I have access to machine tools so today I have been experimenting with various removal methods of my own. My best idea up to now is to machine some stainless steel sleeves that will fit over the electrode to allow me to drill it out. I have tested it on one of the old plugs that I removed the other day and it worked, leaving enough tube clear to tap in a thread for retrieval. I will then drill out the old threaded piece and use a puller to extract the plug......hopefully. It's one thing doing tricky jobs on the bench but a different story on the car!...Wish me luck

Success....up to now!

The small drill guides I made worked a treat and I was able to drill out the remaining electrodes to a depth that will allow me to remove the plugs in the normal fashion. I will admit to a certain amount of trepidation and heart in mouth feeling at the start!!
I am now awaiting delivery of a removal kit, albeit a cheapy off Ebay but it does seem to have what is necessary for the next procedure. ie. drilling out the thread with the supplied stepped bit and then threading and removing the remaining tube with the puller as normal practice.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Success....up to now!

The small drill guides I made worked a treat and I was able to drill out the remaining electrodes to a depth that will allow me to remove the plugs in the normal fashion. I will admit to a certain amount of trepidation and heart in mouth feeling at the start!!
I am now awaiting delivery of a removal kit, albeit a cheapy off Ebay but it does seem to have what is necessary for the next procedure. ie. drilling out the thread with the supplied stepped bit and then threading and removing the remaining tube with the puller as normal practice.

I’m liking it! Fingers and all other parts crossed.....

 

[320pilot]

Total Success !!

I am pleased to say that all has gone well and all six glowpugs have been replaced along with a new relay module and everything is working as it should. Even the drilling out of the old threads went without without a hitch and no damage was caused. All plugs replaced with copper grease, just in case it's me that has to remove them again!
I acknowledge the doubters on here who stated that only MB professionals should attempt a job like this but with patience and planning anyone should be able to do it. This is not to say I'd want to do anymore in a hurry!

 

[LostKiwi]

Well done!

 

[320pilot]

Well done!

Thank you

 

[John Laidlaw]

Yes well done indeed!

 

[ajlsl600]

did you get them out ...

 

[John Laidlaw]

did you get them out ...

Apparently - if you mean the plugs Andy

 

[320pilot]

Yes well done indeed!

Thank you John