Glow Plug Problem

[Bigdiezel79]

I have 2 97 powerstrokes that need glow plugs. I have been told that the tips on these plugs will break off and fall down in the cylinder. If this happens is there anyway to get the tip out without removing the head? I cant seem to get a straight answer from anybody. Most say the have never had to replace the glow plugs. Any help you guys can give i will be very grateful for

[ianstew]

im not sure if the make bore scope small enough, but that might work. then fish it out with a claw grabber?

[ianstew]

by the way, use only motorcraft plugs, the resist breakage the best

[Bigdiezel79]

The 97 Dually has autolites in it they were replaced in 2004 that really bothers me everybody I have talked to says they are crap and more than likely will break.... I just hoping somebody knows of something that i can use or make that can get the tip out.

[sgt dave]

Why are you so worried? Did you have one break? If you haven't changed them out yet, you won't know if you have a swelled tip on one until you do. If you do have a swelled tip you will have to remove the head and screw it all the way thru to get it out. Put anti seize on the threads of the new one you put in.

[ianstew]

autolites dont always swell, they just have a more known record of doing it. ive heard of MC breaking in the head as well, but you never know till you try. back them out smoothly, dont beat on the ratchet, youll probably be just fine,

[Bigdiezel79]

Im not worried about the work just the explaning to the owner if I have to pull the head. The last time he carried it to the shop to put a clutch in this truck it came back with a terrible oil leak that turned out to be a crack in the oil pan. So he is real OCD now...

[Mr-Toche85-95]

i got a horrible problem i change the glow plugs but i see 3 of the 8 that use were operable i change the other 5 but now won´t start again and drain the batteries !! this is abnormal maybe can be broken the GPR ? but the click sound is still earing !?? please some help proud owner of f-350 crew cab dually obs. my glowplugs are from the navistar dealer at my town !!! cost 700 Mexican pesos not expensive 80 Usdls one pair of them!!!! any suggestions !! please

[elrojo63]

check and make sure the gpr is turning off. Does it crank and dump white smoke? You may have knocked loose some under valve cover wiring causing injectors not to fire and the truck not to start

[justinmix]

Most of the times the glow plugs will come out fine. Now if someone had glow plugs going out and used ether on it a lot to get it running you might have some issues.

I've only had a few of them ever break off on me. One customer just had me leave it in the head, and the other one I was able to get out. If it drops into the cylinder I think it would be almost impossible to get out without removing the head. Never had to try it though so who knows!