glow plug removal/replace injectors remove/clean/replace

[vicszd30]

Hi all, the zd woke up sick a few weeks ago with high fuel usage and a shity start up.
Thinking Injector/s I set out last week to get them out and tested. On removing the glow strap I noticed no.4 glow plug broken at the treaded core rod.
I get the zd warm and set out to get the glow plugs out also. I get all injectors and glow plugs out no problem and then test the 3 glow plugs that where complete and not broken.. All 3 where buggered and must have "just" got hot enough over summer to fire but laboured as it's got colder..
I think the no4 glow was broken from installation when the injectors where fitted last year.. They must have lost the original nuts "yes nutS" x3 out of 4 and the nuts they used where wrong- the original nuts have a washer attached that swivels around the nut so it doesn't twist the glow strap and turn the glow plugs core rod when tightening the nut down !

The nuts at the top in the pic's are the original right ones.

 

[vicszd30]

This is a rather easy job but you will need a 1/4 drive torsion bar, 1/4 extension bar, 12mm long/deep socket, silicon sealant, assorted sockets/spanners etc.
The trick is to get the motor to running temp before you ever attempt to remove glow plugs injectors etc.. Always support the socket wrench with your hand and not leaver off the glow plug itself- treat the glow plug like a spark plug THEY WILL BREAK!
Always replace all seals and copper washers for injectors and spill line washers !

 

[vicszd30]

Make sure you use never seize on the glow plug treads before installation!

 

[vicszd30]

Use a grease to hold the injectors copper washer in place for installation, I use never seize and also do the injector line treads to aid in bedding the line/seal/injector..

 

[vicszd30]

Makes a huUUGE difference indeed! Glow plug light on the dash goes out as quick as it lights up and she fires on first revolution. Idles so much smother and quieter too..

 

[ShortyNavros]

So you removed your injectors and cleaned them? I thought you didn't want to risk contaminating them? Next time I do glow plugs I'll have to have a look at this. Were yours that dirty?

 

[vicszd30]

Yes- I thought whist I was there I may as well have them tested and cleaned, silly not to really.. not sure what you mean by contaminating them? I thought they where dirty for being under 10'000K's old .. So much so I will be looking at better injectors than these Zexel ones..
There's nothing to them really- just make sure you motor is nice and hot before you pull it down and them out!
Have a look at the timing chain tensioner, a little bit to far out you think? This was "allegedly" done last year also "same diesel shop" - I'm betting they didn't fit the one I had waiting for them at Nissan Warragul... ffs I cant win...

 

[trb012]

Thanks for the write up mate I need to do my glow plugs soon as she's getting a bit harder to start on these frosty Melbourne mornings. So the rocker cover needs to come off to access the glow plugs?

 

[Been a while]

Sorry tbr, i can't believe its been this long.. sorry man, back then i was getting the ute ready for an Au trip and have been flat out... traveling now and have been for the last year and a half.. missed the site, now i cant get into my account lol

Remove rocker cover, No not needed for glow plugs. But you will have to remove part of the inlet manifolds.. easy job man, just warm her up first ...