Glow plugs for '03 three litre.

[CaptLimey]

Research of previous threads suggest that choice of glow plugs make/suppliers is a bit of a lottery. Ebay offer four plugs for between sixty pounds and over two hundred pounds. Milners offer a set for under sixty pounds, make not specified. NGK have been recommended on a number of threads. Very confusing. Obviously 'you get what you pay for' but can any one recommend which to choose from personal experience?
Rgds CL

 

[apgphoto]

I bought these ones http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-TERRANO-III-3-0-Diesel-Glow-Plugs-/300588310532

Been in for 2000 miles so far, with no problems

 

[rayf3262]

One of the benefits of a direct injection engine is that the need for glow plugs to aid the starting of the engine only becomes apparent when ambient temperatures approach minus double digits and lower.
If the ambient is around zero or above they really don't bring a lot to the starting party.
I only changed mine last winter when temperatures where regularly -10~-15C, even then it would start after the second or third shot.
When I did change them I found all four of the originals where useless, so in all probability I suspect I had been happily using the truck for two years or so with effectively no glow plugs.
They where replaced with NGK's, cost about 25 quid a pop from Wilco.

 

[CaptLimey]

One of the benefits of a direct injection engine is that the need for glow plugs to aid the starting of the engine only becomes apparent when ambient temperatures approach minus double digits and lower.
If the ambient is around zero or above they really don't bring a lot to the starting party.
I only changed mine last winter when temperatures where regularly -10~-15C, even then it would start after the second or third shot.
When I did change them I found all four of the originals where useless, so in all probability I suspect I had been happily using the truck for two years or so with effectively no glow plugs.
They where replaced with NGK's, cost about 25 quid a pop from Wilco.

Hi Ray and Apgphoto
Thanks for the info. Did either of you notice any major difference with the new ones fitted?

 

[rayf3262]

Hi Ray and Apgphoto
Thanks for the info. Did either of you notice any major difference with the new ones fitted?

Starting at a cooler temps (~0 C) is certainly a little less rough and to some extent also with warmer ambient (~5 C) too as the glow plugs on the ZD30 stay switched on until the coolant temp. reaches ~40 deg C.

Starting at very low temps (<-10) definitely much quicker and easier, will always start first time, whereas without GP's may take 2~3 attempts.

 

[apgphoto]

Mine had become difficult to start when the engine was cold and ambient temp cold, but above zero.

Taking my old plugs out the reason was clear, it was as though someone had been chewing at the tips of the old plugs!

New plugs in starts first turn of the key every time.

They are relatively easy to change, unscrew the black plastic covers and a good deep socket gets to them, you do have to remove the manifold intake to get to #3 and #4 but this was just 3 or 4 bolts from memory and easy to take off.

 

[CaptLimey]

Mine had become difficult to start when the engine was cold and ambient temp cold, but above zero.

Taking my old plugs out the reason was clear, it was as though someone had been chewing at the tips of the old plugs!

New plugs in starts first turn of the key every time.

They are relatively easy to change, unscrew the black plastic covers and a good deep socket gets to them, you do have to remove the manifold intake to get to #3 and #4 but this was just 3 or 4 bolts from memory and easy to take off.

Thanks again guys. Did a GP change with Mountain Goat on his '05 3ltr a few weeks back and yes we found that his old ones were well burned away but he still doesn't get first time clean fire-up when the temp is below zero. I'm thinking maybe NGK, although more expensive, might be better than other non-branded (Chinese) kit?
Rgds CL

 

[apgphoto]

Is it just from initial cold start that its difficult to start or is it the same when its warm but left for a period of time?

 

[CaptLimey]

Is it just from initial cold start that its difficult to start or is it the same when its warm but left for a period of time?

I believe it's just from sub zero start but I need to chat to Mountain Goat for detail.
Rgds CL

 

[CaptLimey]

Glow plug decision time

Searching for new glow plugs to buy for my '03 3ltr T2 and there appears to be either ceramic or metal alternative. There doesn't appear to be a huge price difference in the NGK brand. Anyone know/can recommend the advantages/disadvantages of each?
Rgds CL