[davegris]

While I have the intake manifold off my car for CBU purposes I was going to replace the glow plugs and glow plug controller. I was getting a couple of glow plug errors but they did not point to a specific cylinder. Probably means the controller is the issue.

Anyway, I went to remove the 1st glow plug and it seems to be super tight. I am now paranoid of breaking it trying to get it out.

I sprayed them all with penetrating oil around the base and I am letting them sit for awhile.

Question: If I turn the ignition on will the glow plugs go to preheating mode? I understand that heat and penetrating oil may help, but I do not want to put a torch there. Any ideas on what is the best way to heat them up is? Thanks!
PS - it is cold in Atlanta today low 26 hi 42.

[ninja_zx11]

Originally Posted by davegris

While I have the intake manifold off my car for CBU purposes I was going to replace the glow plugs and glow plug controller. I was getting a couple of glow plug errors but they did not point to a specific cylinder. Probably means the controller is the issue.

Anyway, I went to remove the 1st glow plug and it seems to be super tight. I am now paranoid of breaking it trying to get it out.

I sprayed them all with penetrating oil around the base and I am letting them sit for awhile.

Question: If I turn the ignition on will the glow plugs go to preheating mode? I understand that heat and penetrating oil may help, but I do not want to put a torch there. Any ideas on what is the best way to heat them up is? Thanks!
PS - it is cold in Atlanta today low 26 hi 42.

Better to warm up the engine before trying to remove the plugs.Even BMW service manual says so.

I believe you can start the engine without the manifold and let it idle for a while and then try removing them.

[335dlci]

Originally Posted by ninja_zx11

Better to warm up the engine before trying to remove the plugs.Even BMW service manual says so.

I believe you can start the engine without the manifold and let it idle for a while and then try removing them.

Yes. I believe it says it in bold to have the engine up to operating temperature because you can damage the threads. I can't say anything about running the engine with manifold off.