CEL code P60BF
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Hudson, NH
A gas engine uses the spark from the spark plug to cause the fuel air mixture to explode.
In a gas engine if the spark plug is not working that cylinder will not fire.
In a diesel engine the glow plugs are just devices that are used to pre-heat the fuel-air mixture to make the mixture 'explode' with less compression. They are used only to start the engine, and on modern diesel engines, often continue to glow and warm the mixture for a period of time after the engine is started to aide the combustion process for a cold engine. I believe on the 6.7L that is 20 minutes.
The above poster was 100% correct. With one bum glow plug your engine should run fine and you may not even notice it aside from the CEL.
There are a lot of people on here more knowledgeable about diesel engines than myself that can provide more detail and info but this is my nickel summary.
---Aaron
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 11
From: Northern California
It is nothing like a spark plug. A diesel uses compression ignition. The fuel/air mixture is literally squeezed until it explodes.
A gas engine uses the spark from the spark plug to cause the fuel air mixture to explode.
In a gas engine if the spark plug is not working that cylinder will not fire.
In a diesel engine the glow plugs are just devices that are used to pre-heat the fuel-air mixture to make the mixture 'explode' with less compression. They are used only to start the engine, and on modern diesel engines, often continue to glow and warm the mixture for a period of time after the engine is started to aide the combustion process for a cold engine. I believe on the 6.7L that is 20 minutes.
The above poster was 100% correct. With one bum glow plug your engine should run fine and you may not even notice it aside from the CEL.
There are a lot of people on here more knowledgeable about diesel engines than myself that can provide more detail and info but this is my nickel summary.
---Aaron
A gas engine uses the spark from the spark plug to cause the fuel air mixture to explode.
In a gas engine if the spark plug is not working that cylinder will not fire.
In a diesel engine the glow plugs are just devices that are used to pre-heat the fuel-air mixture to make the mixture 'explode' with less compression. They are used only to start the engine, and on modern diesel engines, often continue to glow and warm the mixture for a period of time after the engine is started to aide the combustion process for a cold engine. I believe on the 6.7L that is 20 minutes.
The above poster was 100% correct. With one bum glow plug your engine should run fine and you may not even notice it aside from the CEL.
There are a lot of people on here more knowledgeable about diesel engines than myself that can provide more detail and info but this is my nickel summary.
---Aaron
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BodegaErik
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Jul 2, 2006 10:20 PM
Pastmaster
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jun 20, 1999 11:36 AM
