Glow Plug Expertise Needed

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Mar 16, 2019 | 01:47 PM

Boris_imo

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Joined: Mar 2019

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Glow Plug Expertise Needed

Hey 7.3 guys,
I’m currently in Colombia (South America) with my van and it needs new glow plugs.
It’s a ‘99 7.3 E350 van with 300,800 miles and the original glow plugs.

The exact same OEM Ford glow plugs are not available here in Colombia. I do however have access to glow plugs made by the same Ford OEM supplier/manufacturer BERU.

There are however differences:

1. The Beru part number
Original 09D
New 725

2. Voltage
Original 11V
New 11.5V

3. Overall length is:
Original 5 1/16”
New 5 1/8”

4. Tip length from the bottom of the body
Original 1 1/4”
New 1 1/8”

5. I understand the glow plugs seat at the bottom of the body. If that is the case the original ones would have almost 1/4” of the threads engaging before the new ones. I can’t see or verify how many threads of engagement the new ones have. They do seem to seat and tighten though. Being the taper is more gradual on the new ones they tighten down without having as an abrupt of a stopping point as the originals. What problem might this cause?

What are your thoughts? Will these work or is it a possible disaster waiting to happen? Your input is welcomed. Thanks

Comparison of New(left) to Original

Comparison of seats Original(left) to New

New installed

Mar 16, 2019 | 06:57 PM

JT250

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 2,800

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From: OKC, OK

I have no idea but here is a bump. One idea would be to crank the engine until 1 cylinder is at the very top of the cycle, then measure your clearance and see if that will work with the new plugs

Mar 16, 2019 | 08:10 PM

AllaboutMPG

Logistics Pro

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 3,953

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From: Mcdonough, GA

Hopefully one of these guys who has an engine apart can tell us how far the tip protrudes into the cylinder. That 1/8 of an inch shorter may not leave enough tip to light off the fuel.

Mar 16, 2019 | 10:49 PM

timmyboy76

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 7,793

Likes: 50

Didnt think the gp's light the fuel off, but rather heat the cylinder?? As for the gp's themselves, id run them. Seems easier to get the caps on.

Mar 17, 2019 | 02:02 AM

aawlberninf350

It's a Van Gogh

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 7,802

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From: Elk Grove, CA

I think the ZD9 GP is for the IDI 7.3, and the ZD11 GP is for the 99-03 7.3.

Depending on your circumstances; stick one in and roll the crank over by hand, slow.

Slow.

If you feel contact remove and get the correct ZD11 glow plugs. If no contact I'm thinking install and run them.