hey. probably a pretty dumb post, but i just got an '85 E350 van (first ford van) and so far my limited diesel experience has been on a mercedes 240D. Its a lot harder to see whats going on in this van!! Anyways, I need to change the glow plugs (previous owner whom i trust said they burnt out...started it on ether). i'm picking up the van tomorrow and not sure where to even access the glow plugs from? wheel well? thanks for any help!
adam

 

I assume you will have to do the front 2 or 4 from under the hood, and the back 4 or 6 from under the dog house. No experience in a van, but its about a 15 minute job in a pickup if theyre not stuck or swollen.

 

welcome to FTE.
the only glow plugs you want to put in there are motorcraft/beru ZD-1 plugs.
don't listen to any of the parts store people telling you any other plug is just as good. they are not.

you can get the ZD-1's from rock auto for $8.96 each.
click on this link and it will take you to the order form.
RockAuto Parts Catalog

 

x2 with what everyone else is saying, ive had two motors with autolites in them...both sets swelled in head....got them out because i developed a method to make them come out without breaking them.

 

got a write up on your method? lol

 

yea. he pulls the heads and has them rebuilt!!

 

these vans are actually quite easy to work on, just gotta pull the doghouse. in some cases, it may be necessary to remove one of the seats, but that depends on your seats.
good to see another member with a diesel van!