I am about to put in a 3rd set of glow plugs! I made the big mistake of putting in autolite plugs for my 1st set. They burned out in 2 days (starting the engine at least 6 or 8 times each day). I thought since they are new glow plugs the issue must be in the glow plug relay and controller. I got a quote from Discount auto at $209.00 but wound up getting one from NAPA for just under $90.00. I installed the new controller and had the same issue as before. I tested the plugs for continuity and to my dismay found that 6 of the 8 NEW PLUGS were shot. The last 2 were starting to swell so they were about to go them selves. Fortunately they didnt swell much larger than the original size so I had no issues at all removing them. The second set I put in was Champion. The controller worked normal for about 4 days then it started its clicking on and off again. The truck is having similar issues starting as it had before. Grey smoke coming from the tail pipe while it tries to fire. One cylinder will fire here and there until after about 15 to 20 seconds of cranking the engine roars to life. The engine has over 340,000 miles on it but still pulls very strong. What the heck is killing these plugs!? Im at a total lost here. All wires are in great shape and have solid and clean connections. I also have 2 brand new batteries in the truck so it cant be too low of voltage (which if anything should make them last longer).

I read in the Chilton's manual that the controller also heats the diesel in the injector pump and also adjusts depending on the temp sensor reading. Not sure if mine has this or not. I just know where the plugs are and how to change 'em.

Any advice would be MUCH appreciated! My wife is getting ready to set the darn thing on fire. Luckily its a diesel so just a match in the fuel tank wont do it! =D

Thanks!

-Z

 

Use Motorcraft Beru ZD9 plugs ONLY.

All other brands won't last, especially starting it so many times in 1 day....

 

I 2nd that...

 

any other plug besides factory OEM motorcraft (which are made in Germany by Beru) just seem to be worthless.

the clicking you hear (along with voltage meter needle swing,and dimed/bright headlights) after the WTS light goes off,is perfectly normal.this is afterglow and helps the cold idle for a few seconds.
don't wait for the clicking to stop before you start it,or you engine won't get the extra heat from the GP's.
you can find the motorcraft glow plugs online for about half the stealership prices.

 

It has been awhile but I remember the gm glow plugs were a really good upgrade. Try dieselstop.com if you want some good info

 

hey.we're not good enough for ya?

 

sorry, what i really meant was, try the diesel forum on fte for some "great" info.

 

7.3 Liter Diesel Motorcraft Glow Plugs - Ford 7.3 Liter Diesel Motorcraft Glow Plug - Diesel Filters,Additives,brake rotors, and brake pads for Chevy, Dodge and Ford Diesel Trucks
motorcraft glow plugs for $9.99.
the motorcraft/beru glow plugs are the only ones to use. all others are crap and will burn out in short order