Failed Glowplug Removal

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StevenN

Active Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2010
Messages
437
Location
Nottingham
Car
E220 CDI 2002 W210 Auto
Tried to remove my faulty Glowplug today and snapped it.
Took plenty of time, soaked the plug in plus gas and even worked it back and forth to get it loose

Failed snapped in half.
I was left with a Glowplug top, thread and electrode inner.
The other bit is stuck in the head.

Now am I buggered and it's now a head off job or do I have other options?

I have read posts about MB having a tool to remove damaged plugs but is that the only source?

Can I leave it in place till it fails to start?

What to do?

Any helpfull suggestions?

Thanks

Steve
 
The car will always start... it wont be an issue.. If i were you, id get it to a garage... most garages either have the equipment for this or have a local man that can..

We have a guy that comes in and gets these out for us.. we try and avoid using him as much as possible!
 
I run a tap into the remaining hole and screw in a bolt then remove with a sliding hammer.
 
Hi Ian
That was my first thought but I forgot to measure the thickness of the inner electrode.
I could probably mackle something together and give it a try.
At least if that didn't work there will still be some meat lift to drill and tap.
I might have a look tomorrow as I have the other half of the B service to do.

Thanks

Steve
 
I have a question though!

The hole in the head is it machined straight through to the cylinder of dose it bottom out with a small hole for the electrode?

Can the broken bit of plug drop into the cylinder?
 
The hole tapers where the tip of the glowplug fits so the tip could possibly drop in, but not he plug body.
 
Some good advice, but neither of the kits in dieselman's links will work.

The first is a puller for use when the plug has unscrewed OK and not broken, the second is a kit for thinner glow plugs on eg the 642 engines - both would dissapoint in this case.

Try this kit... New Release Glow Plug Removal Tool Kit - Difficult OR Damaged Plugs | eBay
 
What are the chances of it exiting the head rather quickly when the engine is running ;)
 
I tried running the engine with a dust sheet over the hole but it didn't fly out
 
Some good advice, but neither of the kits in dieselman's links will work.

The first is a puller for use when the plug has unscrewed OK and not broken, the second is a kit for thinner glow plugs on eg the 642 engines - both would dissapoint in this case.

Try this kit... New Release Glow Plug Removal Tool Kit - Difficult OR Damaged Plugs | eBay

Hi Alex

What would the purpose of the first set be?

Can't see how it would help. Is it supposed to clean the hole so the new plugs don't seize?

Many thanks

Steve
 
The 2x reamers are useful, obviously.

The puller is for glow plugs that have not snapped, but that have turned and mangled the threads in the head and on the plug - which can happen.
These are then a real menace to get out, just turning round and round.
The puller clamps onto the hex head and pulls the complete plug out.

I once ran an engine to remove the remains of a glow plug, I can assure readers that a dust sheet would have been of little effect in restraining it.
I have heard stories of them going through roofs.
 
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Hi Alex

The dust sheet was folded up like a thick wad. Just thought it was worth a go.

I might have a go at tapping and pulling the begger out but as the injector in the same pot is blowing I have asked for a quote from a local diesel specialist.

At least the front brakes (new discs & pads) went without a hitch)

ta
 
I once ran an engine to remove the remains of a glow plug, I can assure readers that a dust sheet would have been of little effect in restraining it.
I have heard stories of them going through roofs.

I suspect that's just what they are...stories.

Having removed recalcitrant plugs by running the engine and winding them out with a socket and ratchet handle, I can't believe there would be any issue with a folded sheet.

During the Northern Ireland conflict, householders in affected areas were advised to hang net curtains with small lead weights in the bottom hem. The curtains stopped glass flying in after a bomb blast.
 
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Could it be benifical to use a "t" bar instead of strong arm or ratchets thus reducing the risk of putting sideways force on the plug..maybe even an impact gun if your feeling brave ?
 
Could it be benifical to use a "t" bar instead of strong arm or ratchets thus reducing the risk of putting sideways force on the plug..maybe even an impact gun if your feeling brave ?

I was using a torque wrench set to 20nm when it snapped.
I guess my working it back and forth just weekened it too much
 
Could it be benifical to use a "t" bar instead of strong arm or ratchets thus reducing the risk of putting sideways force on the plug..maybe even an impact gun if your feeling brave ?

Always get the ratchet as close to the plug as possible by not using any extensions. This reduces the lateral torque.
 

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