DIY Broken Glow Plug Removal - Which Kit To Buy ?

[V8RX7]

Ah the joy of Ebay sellers - I discovered the black tape over the glow plug warning light however I hadn't realised the fool had already snapped 4 of them !

So I have limited access as it's a V6 Vito but I'd settle for 4 working glow plugs.

I've had a look on Youtube and some of the Pro kits look very comprehensive but ebay shows a few cheaper options - the two plugs I removed really weren't very tight and weren't coked up - I'm wondering if an EZ out might work after I've pulled the glow plug head off ?

Or do any of these kits look worthwhile ?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Glow-Plug-Extr...


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-16PC-Damaged-Glow-Pl...

[gun12b]

some vids on youtube to watch...........maybe ?

[V8RX7]

gun12b said:

some vids on youtube to watch...........maybe ?

I have been, I've just bought the (2nd) 16 piece kit as I found a clip of it being used and I understand how it works, I can't see how the first kit works.

I called a few garages and they were either ridiculously expensive or didn't want to get involved

[Matt_E_Mulsion]

If there are four already broken then you may be getting into the territory of just taking the head, getting them all drilled out and replaced once and for all.

[V8RX7]

Matt_E_Mulsion said:

If there are four already broken then you may be getting into the territory of just taking the head, getting them all drilled out and replaced once and for all.

Two in each head, the repair kit should do the same job for a fraction of the price

"Should" being the key word

Here's a quick guide should anyone care

https://pmmonline.co.uk/technical/glow-plug-remova...

And a video of the kit in action

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1JiWt_kesU&li...

Edited by V8RX7 on Wednesday 1st May 18:25

[brman]

It is the UK, why do you need glow plugs?

Seriously, my 320d ones do not work and at worse it has taken a couple of seconds longer to start on a sub zero morning. Does it actually cause you a problem?

[V8RX7]

It takes around 5 seconds to start now - whereas my old vito started within 1, so when it gets cold it's not going to be great.

Plus I bought the glow plugs without checking that some idiot hadn't broken them first.

[brman]

fair enough.

[Old Merc]

If it all goes pear shaped you could end up with a new head? Why not have a word with these guys https://threaddoctorservicesltd.co.uk/
If your to far away you could go to them? they are very good,got me out of the brown stuff a number of times.

[devnull]

I must say, I salute you for trying to drill out the glowplugs on the V6 CDI - especially in a Vito!! I have two broken on my V6 CLK and I am frankly too scared to try and do them. Got quoted something like £1000 to get them done, so i've just put up with the extra second of starting in the mornings - for 5 years.

[V8RX7]

devnull said:

I must say, I salute you for trying to drill out the glowplugs on the V6 CDI - especially in a Vito!! I have two broken on my V6 CLK and I am frankly too scared to try and do them. Got quoted something like £1000 to get them done, so i've just put up with the extra second of starting in the mornings - for 5 years.

He who dares Rodney...

Or

Only fools rush in...

[waterwonder]

If you're anywhere near Essex Alex Crowe Merc specialist is worth a call.

He managed to retrieve some out of my e280 without any hassle and for a very reasonable fee. I.e. drilled them out with all the right gear to make sure nothing went astray.

[mighty kitten]

That kit works ok on a 10mm body plug but 8mm you really need a clear shot and a torque adjuster on the drill to avoid bursting through the body .

[V8RX7]

mighty kitten said:

That kit works ok on a 10mm body plug but 8mm you really need a clear shot and a torque adjuster on the drill to avoid bursting through the body .

I'll take my time - how would torque setting help ? I'm drilling out steel and the head is alloy

I've got a 90 degree drill but even if I only got the front two - that would double the number of working glow plugs.

[V8RX7]

Well first one went ok.

But luck was the only reason the tip didn't fall into the cylinder.

Not sure whether to carry on or call it a day as I'll have to modify tools due to reduced access for the rest.