IanT90 Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 Been working my way through full service don't know when it last had one. Decided with winter coming up I would change the glow plugs as a matter of routine. Carried out valve clearance check yesterday and looking at the plugs they seem flimsy compared with ones I have changed in past. This might sound a silly question but is there a special tool for removing them ? Do they need torque settings for refitting ? Finally are there any does or don'ts when changing them don't want to make an arse of myself by failing to do the basics. Don't think I have a long reach socket to get past the thread and definitely don't have box spanner that size. Any tips recommendations or suggestions greatly appreciated. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puffernutter Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 If it starts alright then leave them alone. A high risk of snapping them off (don't ask how I know) then it's a head off to get them out! Cheers Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanT90 Posted November 28, 2014 Author Share Posted November 28, 2014 Great I have just spent £10 on a set. I normally don't have a problem starting the engine. However,I work shifts and the other morning (after a really cold night) I came to start my landrover and it struggled so thought it would be a good idea to replace the plugs as the weather is likely to get worse. Saw a couple of u tube titles which review removing broken plugs hence my initial question on correct way to remove them ! Hate going to garages to have jobs like this done but if it puts the risk in there pocket if they break may be worth it ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puffernutter Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 No risk to the garage. If they break one, they'll just charge you to take the head off and get the bits out! I cannot see any garage doing heater plugs on a fixed price! Cheers Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanT90 Posted November 28, 2014 Author Share Posted November 28, 2014 In that case no win situation unless I keep soaking them with ease it oil over time either way I am now really apprehensive about doing them. Thanks again for the info. Regards Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 Ian. I tend to remove heater plugs with a warm engine. WARM I said not hot. If one appears to be tight, leave it for another day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Member Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 If you break one, you don't need to take the head off. The broken bit will safely pop out on its own. I agree with Mike. It is safer to take them out of a warm engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Murphy Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 I broke one of mine above the thread so I don't think it will ever pop out! It runs too well to take the head off though so I live with it Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 Most engines will start and run happily on three. Two though is a NO NO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanT90 Posted November 29, 2014 Author Share Posted November 29, 2014 Thanks I feel bit more confident now about changing them although I think I will soak the recess with a penetrative oil over couple days before attempting. I think may be worth putting some copper grease on the thread too which might help next time I come to change them. Although I am guessing its not the threaded section that is the problem ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giles Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 That's right; I think it's mostly the pencil bit at the end that snaps off. Mine did... but I had the head on the bench at the time so knocking it out from underneath wasn't a problem... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jode Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 I think may be worth putting some copper grease on the thread too which might help next time I come to change them. A good idea - makes it easier to remove them in future. I don't torque the plugs - I just use a 10mm box spanner and tighten them good and snug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanT90 Posted December 3, 2014 Author Share Posted December 3, 2014 Problem is sort of solved I have a cylinder head gasket leak so the heads got to come off anyway. Plus picking up another head tomorrow already skimmed and leak checked. So I can take the old heater plugs out at my leasure. My thought now is do I keep the original head as a backup or sell on to recoup some cost. Either way heater plug dilemma sorted or will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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