Replacing glow plugs - series 3

Hi folks! I picked up my first Landy last weekend - 1981 series 3 diesel.
As each day goes by, I find more things to sort! - nothing too major so far.

The yellow glow plug light doesn't light up so i'm assuming I have either a dud plug or there is a wiring issue. It starts immediately warm or hot but when cold I have to floor the loud pedal and it takes about 8-10 seconds to start - followed by some smoke which is probably unburnt fuel.
The plugs are wired in the original series rather than parallel and I have ordered 4 new plugs (will keep wiring in series).
I'm no mechanic as such but always happy to learn and have a go. The plugs in there look very old and I guess my concern is how they come out - i've read the occasional horror story of the element bit ending up stuck and then a head off job. Is this very common? Are they a pig to get out? I want to do the job myself but the self doubting side of me is thinking it may be best to book into a garage to be done if they can be a pig.

Also, I see that to be wired in series there is a connection half way down each plug as well as the one on top. Does the plug all unscrew to allow you to attach the connection half way down each plug? Thanks in advance

they coil type tend to be alot easier to remove than later as element doesnt seize in head so you shouldnt have any problem,wiring is as you say and insulator just pulls off to alow inner wire to be fitted

Thanks, that reassuring.

I've been a bit of a donkley though - went out to start the old girl tonight and realised that to turn the glow plugs on you have to turn the ignition against the spring and hold it, like starting a modern car. I then release after a few seconds and press the starter button! Bingo.
The new plugs arrived today. At least there's no rush to replace them now

The amber glow plug light is a bit dim though - is this normal?

Land Raver said:

Thanks, that reassuring.

I've been a bit of a donkley though - went out to start the old girl tonight and realised that to turn the glow plugs on you have to turn the ignition against the spring and hold it, like starting a modern car. I then release after a few seconds and press the starter button! Bingo

I is a bit dim though - is this normal?

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Possibly but you got there in the end

I see what your did there!

my glow plug light is as dim as me. in the dark its great in the day its hard to see. i have new glow plugs and resistor and wiring (well i did before i took the engine out today) either we both have the same problem or its just one of those land rover quirks.

as for your "to do " list, i keep 4 things on mine, when i get to three things i find another thing needs doing and if i notice a 5th thing i pretend i didnt see it untill i get to 3.

one day, if i live that long i may run out of things to do. my short experiance of a series 3 is, its not a mode of transport but a hobby, a hobby that takes up all your spare time and all of yours, your ,not quite as un derstanding as she once was wifes, money as well.

enjoy

its dim cos its only 6 volts

jamesmartin said:

its dim cos its only 6 volts

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weve got a mate we call "12 watt wendy" she isnt very bright either!

borristherat said:

my glow plug light is as dim as me. in the dark its great in the day its hard to see. i have new glow plugs and resistor and wiring (well i did before i took the engine out today) either we both have the same problem or its just one of those land rover quirks.

as for your "to do " list, i keep 4 things on mine, when i get to three things i find another thing needs doing and if i notice a 5th thing i pretend i didnt see it untill i get to 3.

one day, if i live that long i may run out of things to do. my short experiance of a series 3 is, its not a mode of transport but a hobby, a hobby that takes up all your spare time and all of yours, your ,not quite as un derstanding as she once was wifes, money as well.

enjoy

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lol - the list is up to 7 already and I haven't started on 1.

At least the glows work and replacing them isn't a priority. Didn't want to get caught out when the cold weather / snows arrive not being able to start the purposeful old girl! Must sort the heater tomorrow and replace all things that contain oil. First things first