Glow Plug Problem

[Guest badger]

Hi all,I am new to this forum-and was wondering if anybody can help me with this problem.I own a 2002 Berlingo 1.9 diesel.Suddenly it has become very difficult to start from cold,taking many cranks before eventually starting,and omitting clouds of smoke from th exhaust pipe.Some one has told me that one or more of the glow plugs has probably failed.Is there a way of testing the glow plugs before rushing out and buying new ones?.I am pretty handy with cars in general,but know nothing about diesel engines.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Regards Badger. :o :(

[Johndouglas]

XUD engines become slow to start when one plug goes down. When two are down it's difficult to make the first start of the day. To test the plugs, disconnect all the wiring from them, then use a test lamp between the battery and each plug. If the light doesn't come on then the plug is defective. It's as well to change them as a set.

[Guest badger]

XUD engines become slow to start when one plug goes down. When two are down it's difficult to make the first start of the day. To test the plugs, disconnect all the wiring from them, then use a test lamp between the battery and each plug. If the light doesn't come on then the plug is defective. It's as well to change them as a set.

Thanks John,I have been delving around on the net,and have found the same test procedure you describe.What I want to know is what do I have to remove to get to the glow plugs.I have the DW series engine (with the expansion tank on the front panel.There appears to be a plastic cover which unclips,then over the top of the rocker case a metal case (the air distribution housing?) with 4 ports dissapearing over the back of the head somewhere.Do I have to take this off (and how) to get to the glow plugs and test them? ,or replace them?.

 

Thanks for your swift reply Badger.

[Johndouglas]

Your engine sounds the same as that in my daughters 306. Yes! to change the plugs the air box on the top of the engine needs to come off. You'll notice the convoluted pipe joint has a clamp on it. I found it impossible to obtain a new one, so I used a junior hacksaw on the seal and reused the clamp with a suitably sized jubilee clip round it. It's been secure for two years or more.

[Guest badger]

Your engine sounds the same as that in my daughters 306. Yes! to change the plugs the air box on the top of the engine needs to come off. You'll notice the convoluted pipe joint has a clamp on it. I found it impossible to obtain a new one, so I used a junior hacksaw on the seal and reused the clamp with a suitably sized jubilee clip round it. It's been secure for two years or more.

Thanks for that John,I willhave a go at it tomorrow (if the weather impoves).!!