Heat Plugs

[fulcrum111]

Is there a recommended change interval for the heat plugs in 1.9 TDI engines?

Mine have never been changed as far as I can tell and there is 85K on the clock. Should I consider changin them?

I've noticed on these cold mornings that the engine gets it a little bit tougher to start, sounds a little bit rougher as well, but once I get moving all is fine.

Any thoughts?

[Alan02]

There isnt an interval.You can check them with an Ammeter.

[fulcrum111]

Thanks Alan02. Do you know what the in/out of limits range is?

[sline002]

if you start getting trouble with starting when its cold you have to change them

[Camb-Tech]

The tips can get eaten away if they've been overheated or abused. They tend to work or not, even loosing one most people don't notice.
For reference, i replaced mine at 130K and they looked as good as the ones i was putting in baring a little soot.
I would just wait until they fail/ start giving fault codes.

[benjie]

I changed mine at 80k, they're so cheap and relatively easy, so thought I might as well. It made a difference.

[fulcrum111]

I'm not getting any fault codes, just seems that the engine is a little rougher these cold mornings. Since they are relatively cheap I think I'll change them. Is there anything I should be aware of when removing them? Are the threads prone to stripping (if screwed in?) or anything like that?

[Alan02]

I`d advise having the engine warm when removing,it always helped on the Mercs if they were tight to get out,you dont want to pull the threads out.

[fulcrum111]

I believe there are 2 types of heat plug that can be fitted. Can you tell what is installed without removing them? I'd like to have the replacements in hand before removing the old ones incase I damage them?

[benjie]

I thought the 2.5V6's used ceramic glow plugs and the 1.9TDI's used normal ones (metal I suppose?)
I got a set from ECP.

Be aware plug 3 is a right git to get to!

[fulcrum111]

Thanks Benjie, good to know about plug 3!

I was talking to an Audi dealer on Friday and he told me there were 2 plug manufactures/types for the 1.9 tdi, one is Bosch and the other is.... don't remember. He said I'll have to take one out to know for sure which ones I have.

[benjie]

Ah, right I see. So basically, Audi don't know what brand of glow plug are in their car? Why am I not surprised? Did you ask if you could get both types, then return the wrong ones?

If I remember rightly, you need a very deep 10mm socket and a universal joint thing to let you unscrew it at a different angle, rather than going straight down on the plug (hope you understand).

Be sure to remove the holder/bracket for the fuel filter - I don't think I had to disconnect the pipes to the filter, but I could be wrong as it was Nov 08!

[Alan02]

Thanks Benjie, good to know about plug 3!

I was talking to an Audi dealer on Friday and he told me there were 2 plug manufactures/types for the 1.9 tdi, one is Bosch and the other is.... don't remember. He said I'll have to take one out to know for sure which ones I have.

It may be `Beru`?