Glow Plugs Problem

pf85 · 08-09-2009 8:45am #1

When servicing my combo van- a heating (glow) plug broke when trying to remove it. They are very thin and easily broken! It has snapped in the head and it is not possible to grip it with anything..

My question is- what is the best way to try and remove it? I was told it may be possible to drill it out but there would be a very high risk of damaging the engine in the process...

Any help is appreciated!

peasant · 08-09-2009 8:51am

I'm not sure how to do it, but drilling it out (especially at home with the ould Black&Decker) certainly isn't the way to go. You'd have swarf and bits falling into the cylinder ...bye bye engine.

Some mechanic with proper tools might yet be able to get it out, otherwise I'd say the head has to come off the engine.

Max Headroom · 08-09-2009 9:26am

Are you positive you cant get a socket onto it...happened me before but there was enough to get a grip on.....

pf85 · 08-09-2009 9:30am

Max Headroom wrote: »

Are you positive you cant get a socket onto it...happened me before but there was enough to get a grip on.....

No it has actually broken inside the head- there is no chance of getting anything on to it..

With the colder mornings it will get harder to start so need to get it sorted soon but dont like the thought of having to take the head off

the merchant · 08-09-2009 9:39am

If you could post a picture we'd be more able to advise but it sounds like you're down to three heater plugs.

Our winter doesn't really get cold enough for this to be a big issue, I definitely wouldn't be taking the head off too soon that's for sure.

pf85 · 08-09-2009 9:45am

the merchant wrote: »

If you could post a picture we'd be more able to advise but it sounds like you're down to three heater plugs.

Our winter doesn't really get cold enough for this to be a big issue, I definitely wouldn't be taking the head off too soon that's for sure.

I'll post a picture of it this evening..

It took about 5 or 6 turns to start this morning so im guessing when it gets colder it will be a lot bigger issue!

peasant · 08-09-2009 9:49am

Well, if it's broken inside the the thread then the head probably has to come off even if it is just for inspection.

Who's to say that you didn't crack the head while breaking the plug ...also who's to say that the remains of the plug have enough grip to just stay in there if you keep on driving ...the bloody thing might just fall into the engine at some stage.

Max Headroom · 08-09-2009 9:54am

I was going to suggest an "easy-out" reverse thread bit..but if the plug broke easy enough i'd say it'd be a real pig to get the rest out....if you've replaced the other three plugs then i think you'll be grand, I've had no plugs working in my Vito before but she always started..eventually..:rolleyes:

pf85 · 08-09-2009 9:56am

peasant wrote: »

Well, if it's broken inside the the thread then the head probably has to come off even if it is just for inspection.

Who's to say that you didn't crack the head while breaking the plug ...also who's to say that the remains of the plug have enough grip to just stay in there if you keep on driving ...the bloody thing might just fall into the engine at some stage.

Im 100% sure the head is fine as it was only a small turn that cracked the plug off- it is stuck pretty solid into the head so there's no chance of it ever moving. Im thinking the head will have to come off to remove it at this stage

pf85 · 08-09-2009 6:37pm

As promised earlier here is a picture of the broken plug...

DSC00761.jpg

You can probably make out from the pic that it is broken off level with the engine so there is no way of gripping it with anything

peasant · 08-09-2009 6:45pm

Somebody who has done this before and has the feel for it could possibly get that out with an extraction drill like this

They drill the other way round and while digging in hopefully extract the bolt

Mr Benevolent · 08-09-2009 6:52pm

Best bet would to be bring the van to a good dentist

Max Headroom · 08-09-2009 7:07pm

Have you a pic of a good plug..? If whats left is just the inner copper heater bit it'll be quite soft...you might be able to tap a flat screwdriver or a long slim chisel in and then get a vise-grip onto it..Dont go banzai and push the whole lot into the cylinder though.:eek:....all sounds a bit neanderthal i know but you might be lucky..soak it with wd40 for a while first..

shaywest · 08-09-2009 11:17pm

for a cheap fix just bypass the bad one most diesels will start ok with three good glowers
thats what i'd do

the merchant · 09-09-2009 9:13am

Bring it to a mechanic who easily get this out with an "easy-out"

Glow Plugs Problem

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