Hi guys

Ive just removed my glow plugs from a 200tdi and found that three of the four glowplugs, are covered in oil, Could this be valve stem seals?
Any other suggestions?

Cheers
Grant

Dirty oily glow plugs shew that the plug isn't working.

There's only one way to test a glow plug.
A lenght of 3mm cable with two crock clips fitted.
One clip to the glow plug pos terminal. The other end ot that wire to the pos on the battery.
Then earth the glow plug. It should glow bright red in seconds.

DON'T hold the plug in your hands.

mike

I would of said that if it is definatly engine oil and not diesel on the plugs that it most probably valve stem seals. If theres a nice puff of blue smoke from the exhaust when you start after its been left overnight then again that would point to the valve stem seals. The only problem (i say problem,) with the tdi is that it will start when its stone cold without glowplugs (unless is below 0 of course). As above pull them out and test them manually.