possible glow plug problem

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Gaz5535

Gaz5535

Active Member
Posts
120
Location
United Kingdom
Hello, my 2.5 BMW engine wouldn't start this morning,I did manage to get it going with a little sniff of ether. I am suspicious that the glow plugs aren't working or some of them are down.
Anybody had this problem or know how easy a fix it is?
Gary
 
Gaz5535 said:
Hello, my 2.5 BMW engine wouldn't start this morning,I did manage to get it going with a little sniff of ether. I am suspicious that the glow plugs aren't working or some of them are down.
Anybody had this problem or know how easy a fix it is?
Gary
Click to expand...

yup

mine ate a set of NGK plugs as they are made of sh*t!! replaced with Beru and it's been fine since
you need a deep 12mm socket, an 8mm socket or ring spanner, job done :)

remove the inlet manifold, remove 8mm nut from glow plug remove plug using deep 12mm replace and move on to the next one, it can be awkward getting around the hard fuel lines but keep at it and you will get there :)
 
JohnnyCrash said:
yup

mine ate a set of NGK plugs as they are made of sh*t!! replaced with Beru and it's been fine since
you need a deep 12mm socket, an 8mm socket or ring spanner, job done :)

remove the inlet manifold, remove 8mm nut from glow plug remove plug using deep 12mm replace and move on to the next one, it can be awkward getting around the hard fuel lines but keep at it and you will get there :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Johnny, I take it that is the most likely problem then. I must admit it is quite common fualt that I have experienced with other vehicles.
 
Thanks Johnny, I take it that is the most likely problem then. I must admit it is quite common fualt that I have experienced with other vehicles.
 
Gaz5535 said:
Thanks Johnny, I take it that is the most likely problem then. I must admit it is quite common fualt that I have experienced with other vehicles.
Click to expand...
Do not buy cheapo glowplugs, they either do not work or don't last.
Beru, Delphi, Bosch or NGK unless you are running **** black diesel like johnny crash:rolleyes:
Of course you starting problem could be due to the leak off pipes being perished and letting air into the system.
 
A new set of plugs is never a bad idea but, as Data says,you might want to have a look at leak-off pipes, in-tank pump and filter whilst you're on the case.
 
Ok, thanks guys, I am picking up a set of Denso plugs later, are they any good? Also, I suspect that there is a problem with the tank pick up pipe, as it is very difficult to start when the tank gets below half on the gauge.
 
Gaz5535 said:
Ok, thanks guys, I am picking up a set of Denso plugs later, are they any good? Also, I suspect that there is a problem with the tank pick up pipe, as it is very difficult to start when the tank gets below half on the gauge.
Click to expand...

sounds like the in tank pump has given up

Denso reasonable, no complaints
 
Gaz5535 said:
The engine runs fine once you get it running , it has only just started this messing about when the tank is full.
Click to expand...

Classic sign it's the left pump as once the engine is running the FIP can run the engine

a disco has no lift pump runs 100% on the engines FIP
 
JohnnyCrash said:
still not going to prime the engine like the P38 lift pump though ;-)
Click to expand...

Once primed they hold a constant pressure between them and injection pump even when the engine is stopped. So the injection pump is always primed. The diaphragm works against a spring, when there is internal pressure within the lift pump it runs light and only starts to pump again as pressure drops.
 
Grrrrrr said:
Sounds good to me. Although maybe a bit trickier to bleed out any air after a fuel filter change?
Click to expand...

No easier, they have an hand primer lever you can manually pump it if it's not on cam. If the manual doesn't work you just flick engine over a little until pump goes off cam then the hand lever will work. :);)
 
Changed all my glowplugs (to NGK) a couple of months ago. Two were not working so as you can imagine starting is much easier now! I would suggest that it is worth changing them all while you're at it, if one or two have failed then the others will soon be one their way out too.
Check fuse 39 10 amps. Up rated to 20 amps MY 1999 and on to cover pump on cranking.
Wammers, what is this a fix for? I suspect my lift pipe is split too. Does this beef up the pump or what?
 
plumbfisher said:
Changed all my glowplugs (to NGK) a couple of months ago. Two were not working so as you can imagine starting is much easier now! I would suggest that it is worth changing them all while you're at it, if one or two have failed then the others will soon be one their way out too.
Check fuse 39 10 amps. Up rated to 20 amps MY 1999 and on to cover pump on cranking.
Wammers, what is this a fix for? I suspect my lift pipe is split too. Does this beef up the pump or what?
Click to expand...

No same pump. On pre MY1999 models pump is only on when glow lamps are on or when engine is running. On MY 1999 models pump is also active when engine is being cranked. In that year fuse 39 was increased from 10 amps to 20 amps for some reason.
 
Hello, I replaced the glow plugs, tested the set that I took out and 5 out of the 6 were dead! She started first spin! But I have noticed that the glow plug symbol is a bit intermittent. So maybe the timer jobby is on its way out, any ideas peeps?

Gaz
 
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