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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Golf mk4 TDI => Topic started by: Lee Watson on 22 December 2009, 12:04

Title: Glow plug removal...
Post by: Lee Watson on 22 December 2009, 12:04
Hi,

I need to check my glow plugs but Im not sure how much of a pain they are to remove.

Can anyone give me an Idea and any tips?

Do I have to disconnect the power before I play with them?

Any help will be great appreciated.

Cheers

Lee
Title: Re: Glow plug removal...
Post by: Deano2711 on 22 December 2009, 12:16
Glow Plugs are easy to change Mate. I personally have never removed the battery as the power to the plugs works off the ignition. Every car I have done has them located to the left hand side of the engine. There should be a small nut on the top of the plug for the power lead (on some older vehicles there was a bracket that fitted over the plugs). Once this nut is removed the glow plug can be unscrewed and removed/replaced. In this weather and considering the small price for new plugs I would recommend replacing them.     Hope this helps     Deano
Title: Re: Glow plug removal...
Post by: Lee Watson on 22 December 2009, 12:24
That's great! I was sure that it would not be a problem but this is my first diesel   :smiley: and knowing my luck you have to do something tricky.

Many thanks again.

Lee
Title: Re: Glow plug removal...
Post by: jonesltd on 25 December 2009, 20:45
When do glow plugsget replaced? Mine has been in service with VW all the time apart from the 98k service which I did myself and changed oil, fuel etcc. Owned the car for 2 yrs from 62k....would it have been changed?
Title: Re: Glow plug removal...
Post by: Rhyso on 25 December 2009, 22:23
When do glow plugsget replaced? Mine has been in service with VW all the time apart from the 98k service which I did myself and changed oil, fuel etcc. Owned the car for 2 yrs from 62k....would it have been changed?

in theory they shouldn't ever need replacing

Remember that glow plugs are only ever used BEFORE you start the engine - they help warm things up a bit

I think people get confused and think they are like spark plugs in a petrol engine.........
Title: Re: Glow plug removal...
Post by: alex160 on 26 December 2009, 09:55
You only generally replace them if one stops working or you've got a very high millage car and they havnt been done. As rhyso said they just preheat the cylinders before you start it. They only really do the work in the winter tbh.
Title: Re: Glow plug removal...
Post by: Jay on 28 December 2009, 19:06
I'm not sure what the access is like to the GP's on the MK4 but on the MK2 it's a bugger with all sorts in the way.

A perfect tool for the job is always worth getting. 8mm for the nut on the end holding the power cable on, and 12mm on the other end to get round the GP's AND it works like a ratchet  :wink:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_161302_langId_-1_categoryId_165469

Title: Re: Glow plug removal...
Post by: alex160 on 28 December 2009, 19:43
Is a piece of cake on the mk4 tdi. takes 15min to change all plugs.
Title: Re: Glow plug removal...
Post by: Adam on 29 December 2009, 01:48
This guide might help -

http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/t/318152.aspx