E300 glow plugs replacement

[david-griffiths@st-brelad]

I'm new to this so have posted this query elsewhere and in the wrong place!
I am a competent diyer with full set of tools.

I have just bought an E300 with glow plug light staying on for first minute from cold accompanied by rough starting which settles down smoothly once slightly warm. No troubles starting when hot though glow plug light still takes about 30s to go out.

Presume you have to remove inlet manifold to reveal glow plugs (Yes?) but have also heard of problems in removing no. 6 and of plug(s) snapping off in head.

Do I put some penetrating fluid/diesel around plugs for 24 hours before attempting removal?

Any advice would be very welcome.

 

[david-griffiths@st-brelad]

Thanks for your help - I appreciate how to take the manifold bolts off but what secures the bottom of the manifold - is it just two star shaped bolts?

 

[dieselman]

To get the plugs out you will require a slim, long, well fitting socket and a universal joint for No6 plug.
If you can get to put some penetrating oil, diesel, Coke or bio-diesel on a day or so before then do, it may pay dividends.
Get the engine hot before doing the job as the head expands and losens some grip on the plugs.

If you get a stuck plug just keep working it back and forwards and it should come out. If really stuck try runing the engine whilst removing the plug, it keeps the head expanded and blows any coke out that is trapping it in.

It's better to take an hour removing a plug slowly than snapping one off.