Hi all. It's time to replace my glow plugs and was looking into buying something other than oem. Any suggestions on what to look for? There are many different types on ebay that claim they are better than stock because they heat up hotter and quicker. Can you tell the experiences you have had with what you have tried using? Maybe what to stay away from? I own a 99 7.3 Superduty. Thanks..

 

In reading this forum, Ive heard numerous times to avoid the Autolite ones and stick with the motocraft.

Hopefully someone else will chime in.

 

I would suggest you ask this in the 7.3L forum.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum31/

 

I have been dealing with glow plug issues with my '93/'94 (it's a combination of about three trucks by now). Stick with Motorcraft plugs. I just burned through 3 sets of OEM "spec" plugs at $80 a set (they were Delphi's). You will probably find three different makes - Motorcraft/Bero, Autolite, and Delphi. I have heard almost 100 stories about how awful Autolites are and how when they fail the tips come off and you have to pull the head to retrive the piece. My experience with Delphi is they burn out with little abuse, but the tips do not fall off.

Get Motorcraft/Beru - verify that they are made in Germany. Yes, the dealer will want over $25/ea. I just bought a full set of eight on e-bay for $50 - new in sealed bags. I bought two sets just in case. You will see the Motorcraft/Beru plugs listed as ZD-1A, ZD-9, and ZD-11. The ZD-1A's were for pre-'87 6.9L trucks with spade-type connectors. The ZD-9's were for '87-'94 7.3L IDI trucks with bullet connectors. The ZD-11's are for 7.3L DI/Powerstroke trucks. If you have a '99, I beleive you want ZD-11's - call a dealer to double check.

Make sure your current plugs really are dead - I've had a bunch of '99 and newer trucks and have never had a glow plug issue.