VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: addautomotive on August 18, 2005, 08:55:03 am

Title: Glow plug issues.
Post by: addautomotive on August 18, 2005, 08:55:03 am

I was away on a sailing trip a few weeks ago, and my wife had trouble starting the for a couple days, then one cool moring it wouldn't start at all. Took it to the garage and they replaced all 4 glow plugs, which were burnt down to the "nub" (my word). Unbeknownst to them, I had replaced all 4 glow plugs in the fall!

Now, only a month or so later, the car is smoky and rough on startup... I suspect the damn glow plugs are burnt again. What could cause this?

I've hooked up a test light to the GP buss bar, and the light goes out after 10-15 seconds or so. I've also tested it when hot to see if teh glow plugs are coming on when I hot-strat the car... they aren't.

Any ideas?

Title: burnt glow plugs
Post by: fatmobile on August 18, 2005, 10:12:26 pm

Could be an intermitant problem. They could be sticking some times but not all.
 I put a light in one of my cars that would shine in my face whenever the glow plugs had power. Knowing when the glowplugs were actually on was comforting ... sold that car but intend to upgrade other cars with this extra indicator.
 You might want to try that.
 I've also heard dripping injectors can cause the glow plug tips to burn away.

Title: Glow plug issues.
Post by: addautomotive on August 19, 2005, 06:42:30 am

interseting... I'm going to hook one of those lights up.

Leaky injectors, eh? Maybe I'll run a dose of Diesel Purge.

Title: car in your sig
Post by: fatmobile on August 20, 2005, 12:02:03 am

I forgot what kind of diesel you are driving.
 Put it in your signature.
 Not sure how much weight I put in the dripping injectors theory but I have heard of it happening before.

Title: Re: Glow plug issues.
Post by: fspGTD on August 20, 2005, 10:28:01 am

Quote from: "addautomotive"

Took it to the garage and they replaced all 4 glow plugs, which were burnt down to the "nub" (my word).

I agree that this problem points to injector problems.  I'll bet if you have your injectors tested, they will show problems either with bad spray pattern or leakage, like fatmobile suggests.  Having new nozzles installed in them (getting them rebuilt) should restore them to new condition and stop your glow plug erosion problem.

Title: Glow plug issues.
Post by: addautomotive on August 20, 2005, 06:44:25 pm

Thanks folks... it's a 96 1.9l TD. I've noticed that my mileage has been suffering, so injectors seem like a likely cause then.

I have a spare set of injectors off a used engine I just bought. What's the best DIY way to assess their condition? Will a visual inspection suffice?

Title: checking injectors
Post by: fatmobile on August 20, 2005, 09:46:47 pm

Take it to a diesel shop and have them tested for spray pattern, drip and breaking pressure.

Title: Glow plug issues.
Post by: watsongs on August 23, 2005, 12:51:01 pm

Jake, where do you get your injectors tested/serviced?  

Greg

Title: Glow plug issues.
Post by: fspGTD on August 23, 2005, 10:28:56 pm

Precision pump and injector service corp in Bellevue.  Jay and Bill are the father/son owners and are both great guys and they do outstanding work and are very patient, helpful and friendly too.  Tell 'em I sent ya.