Any pitfalls to changing a glow plug?
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: NH
Any pitfalls to changing a glow plug?
My 2005 F-350 had the Check Engine light come on a couple days ago - glow plug #1. (Oddly my 2003 F-550 has had a code for glow plug #6 for months but does not illuminate the Check Engine light).
My understanding is that the glow plug harness can break during the process? #1 seems easy to get to. Anything I should know?
Thanks
My understanding is that the glow plug harness can break during the process? #1 seems easy to get to. Anything I should know?
Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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You need the shorter one in your '05 (in fact the '04's produced after 5 9-29-03 need the shorter one)!!!
Also - to be safe, everyone should consider simply install the shorter ones.
Background:
Also - to be safe, everyone should consider simply install the shorter ones.
Background:
In 2004 (after 9/22/03), the combustion chamber on the piston has been modified (updated bowl design). Due to the design change of the piston, the glow plug has been made shorter by 1.2 mm. If the longer glow plugs are installed into an engine with updated pistons, glow plug to piston contact will result, ending in potential catastrophic engine failure.
Early 6.0 Engine S/N 6000000 thru 6155636 takes GP: (ZD-12) 3C3Z-12A3-42AA. Now the number is ZD-31
Later 6.0 built after 09/22/2003 with S/N 6155637 and higher requires the shorter GP: (ZD-13) 4C3Z-12A3-42AA. ZD-32
Early 6.0 Engine S/N 6000000 thru 6155636 takes GP: (ZD-12) 3C3Z-12A3-42AA. Now the number is ZD-31
Later 6.0 built after 09/22/2003 with S/N 6155637 and higher requires the shorter GP: (ZD-13) 4C3Z-12A3-42AA. ZD-32
Fleet Mechanic
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And only buy them from a ford dealership. Motorcraft parts purchased on Amazon and eBay may not be the real deal.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Rockport, TX
Get a glow plug removal tool. It can help remove the harness. Lisle - 37370 - Glow Plug Harness Puller Ford
Get a new harness. If you're only replacing one now, you will be back later for another GP. You may just want to replace all 4 while you're there. The harness will eventually break (brittle). There is a left and right harness. I replaced all 4 passenger side. I removed the passenger tire and the wheel well. It gave me pretty good access. Not sure if I could have done all 4 from the top side.
Get a new harness. If you're only replacing one now, you will be back later for another GP. You may just want to replace all 4 while you're there. The harness will eventually break (brittle). There is a left and right harness. I replaced all 4 passenger side. I removed the passenger tire and the wheel well. It gave me pretty good access. Not sure if I could have done all 4 from the top side.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: NH
My 2003 truck's door sticker says it was built in June of 2003. I think if I remove the glow plug from its engine and measure and its the longer one, I can safely use the longer one I already have. On my 2005, I will certainly get the shorter one. The 2003 truck had headgaskets and studs done by the Ford dealer back in 2020, and they replaced the glow plug harnesses. These are probably still serviceable. The other truck will need new harnesses, more than likely.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Mooresville, NC
Excellent point on the glow plug sizes -- using the wrong one (too long) results in catastrophic internal damage -- machine shop work.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
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From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
I changed glow plugs one at a time. It’s an aggravation to have to go back and do another one a few months later. I second changing them all on one side and getting a harness at the same time. Wish I had done it that way. Got the harness off a couple times without breaking it, broke it a few times, patched it up a time or two, ended up replacing them both anyway. I can also say that’s one part you don’t have to worry about buying from Ford, I think theirs may be the crappiest of all the ones I’ve bought.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Fresno, CA
Spray the connections with penetrant, push in/out a bunch of times. It a PITA and you'll be cussin.
