How long do glow plugs generally last?

Little Red Zuk · Jun 6, 2007

And what's the warning signs they're going out?

Yesterday, and this morning, my truck was starting a lot harder than normal. The glow plug light stayed on longer than it nromally does, and cranked a lot more before firing. Also smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe while trying to fire.
Ways to check 'em? Anybody in Everett to trust to repair if needed? The truck is a 1989 F250 with the IDI 7.3 w/ aftermarket turbo system.

crash2 · Jun 6, 2007

Little Red Zuk said:
And what's the warning signs they're going out?

Yesterday, and this morning, my truck was starting a lot harder than normal. The glow plug light stayed on longer than it nromally does, and cranked a lot more before firing. Also smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe while trying to fire.
Ways to check 'em? Anybody in Everett to trust to repair if needed? The truck is a 1989 F250 with the IDI 7.3 w/ aftermarket turbo system.

It depends daren. I have seen some that lasted 40k and some that have lasted 90k. I typically see a rig with either a couple dead or a problem with the system itself(controller)

Little Red Zuk · Jun 6, 2007

Hmm, they're about 35-40k old now. And controller, you mean the computer schtuff? I don't know a heck of a lot about the actual mechanics of a diesel, but I have no computer controls.

crash2 · Jun 6, 2007

Little Red Zuk said:
Hmm, they're about 35-40k old now. And controller, you mean the computer schtuff? I don't know a heck of a lot about the actual mechanics of a diesel, but I have no computer controls.

There is always some kind of timed controller for the glow plugs.

GaryTJ · Jun 6, 2007

Take a test light and hook it to the POSITIVE side on the battery. Pull the wires off each glow plug and touch the test light to the connector on the glow plug. If the light glows it is good, if not, it is bad.

crash2 · Jun 6, 2007

GaryTJ said:
Take a test light and hook it to the POSITIVE side on the battery. Pull the wires off each glow plug and touch the test light to the connector on the glow plug. If the light glows it is good, if not, it is bad.

This is exactly how we test them--works like a champ..

Little Red Zuk · Jun 6, 2007

Sweet. And how bad are they to replace if needed?

hwcurtice · Jun 6, 2007

Little Red Zuk said:
Sweet. And how bad are they to replace if needed?

And do you change them just like spark plugs?

crash2 · Jun 6, 2007

Pretty close to changing a spark plug :awesomework: But usually harder to get to..

blackman · Jun 7, 2007

also check you glow plug relay... you should have a power and ground then a signal terminal check with a test light to make sure when you turn you ignition on it is wrkin

Binder · Jun 7, 2007

My first set lasted 150,000 and were still working when I replaced them.

bobracing · Jun 7, 2007

Lots of info on the Fordtrucks.com site.

read until your eyes cross

And stole this from another thread, the motorcraft (ZD9) made in germany is what they are talking about, others burn up and mushroom, which makes a bit of a problem getting them out:

...not all Motorcraft plugs are Beru plugs. The ones that are have the words "Beru" and "Germany" stamped into the flat metal ring around the body of the plug below the threads but above the skinny part that actually gets hot...