Ford Diesel Glow Plugs

[jtn]

Has anybody services/changed the glow plugs in thier 7.3 powerstroke diesel? Mine is getting a little tough to start in the cold weather and I am thinking about changing them out. Any advice/experiences would be helpful.

Thanks in advance,

JT

 

[Tags]

jtn,
What year truck??I just did a set of em'on a 96' f350,it wasn't the most fun I've ever had,but I got it done.They are located under the valve covers,the gaskets are re-useable,and stayed in place.The drivers side was a snap,but the passenger side is no picnic.

 

[BobinCols]

Done just as Tags stated. The powerstroke glow plugs last alot longer than the old 6.9-7.3 non turbo models. I believe the powerstroke glow plugs are not available in the aftermarket yet but I could be wrong. If you have access to a hand held diagnostic tester and the correct cartridge, it will test the glow plugs for you. It is a lot of work to pull the valve covers, replace the glow plugs, and find out it wasn't the problem.

 

[cowboydoc]

They aren't too tough to do but some of them are a huge pain. Be SUPER careful not to break one off!!! If you do it is a serious pain to get out. Yes been there done that and I don't want another t-shirt, LOL.

Definitely check them before you change them. Also check your glow plug controller. Alot of times that's the problem.

 

[dmccarty]

jtn,

You might want to do a search in the forums as well as looking
at the FAQs/HowTos on <A target="_blank" HREF=http://forums.thedieselstop.com>http://forums.thedieselstop.com</A>.
This website used to be www.forddiesel.com but had to change its name since Ford did not like them using the Ford
name. The site is a HUGE resource for Ford Diesel trucks. I'm
sure there are a couple of threads on changing or servicing
the glow plugs.

Good Luck and let us know what happens.
Dan McCarty

 

[utahmule]

Just did this for a 95. Autozone carries the Motorcraft plugs for $8.99 each (8 total). Same thing, same packaging even was $21.99 each from the dealer.

Ditto on the Diesel stop page, great resource for those trucks.

 

[BobinCols]

Just got 8 Motorcraft glow plugs today for a 96 Powerstroke from Napa (also had AC or Champion). Cowboydoc is right about not wanting to break a glow plug off in the older 6.9 and 7.3's that weren't powerstrokes. The powerstrokes are under the valve cover covered in oil and don't have that problem about breaking off in the cyl head.

 

[jtn]

Thank You all for your advice.

After visiting thedieselstop (great site!) and reading stories and posts from others with starting problems, I decided to check my batteries; they are 6 years old and are the originals. They tested fine at 12 volts. I then talked with another diesel truck owner at work and did some more investigation online and decided to change the glow plug relay. It cost me $21.95 at NAPA and took 10 minutes to install. The truck started on the first attempt after being outside in 5° degree weather all day. I will file your advice on changing glow plugs away for future reference (and hope I do not have to use it!).

JT