How does one install the glow plugs in the 97 E350 PSD?

The manual says to remove the valve cover, but the link on the CD doesn't get me to the right picture.

I bought the autolite 1111, does it matter which plugs are used?

Thanks!

 

First off, yes it does make a difference. I have run across many folks who have had problems with the Autolite glow plugs either swelling over time so you cannot get them out if replacement comes up (a pain but not a catastrophe) or breaking off inside the engine with the expected major internal damage. I would take them back and get the factory units. If you have AutoZone in your area they sell the Motorcraft (made by Beru) in Motorcraft part bags with the Ford part number on them for under $10 each. Their part number is ZD-11.

As for the installation, CLICK HERE to go to an excellent how to article on the glow plug system by Carpentractor.

Hope these help out - Carpentractor's article helped me a lot.

 

Do NOT use the autolite glow plugs! I had four break off while removing. I spent hours removing three of of the broken ones from the top side. The fourth one broke and left the element in the head. Two dealers said the head would have to be removed. Instead i was able to remove it through the fuel injector hole. I dont ever want to do that job again. Please use the motorcraft glow plugs!!!!!!!!

 

I was wondering if I could still use the autolite 1111 glow plugs if I used some sort of anti-sieze stuff?

So if I do use the motorcraft plugs, has anyone had trouble with them.

regards

 

Anti sieze has nothing to do with it, it's not the threads on the head that are the problem it's the element itself as it swells up with repeated heating then when you try, and pull it out it doesn't fit through the hole, and breaks off leaving the tip sitting on top of the piston you might as well drop gravel into your intake (they will also just burn off and drop down also or so I have heard)

 

I still would not run the Autolites. If you cannot return them chalk it up to a lesson learned and throw them as far from your truck as you can, use them as small paperweights but I strongly suggest you DO NOT install them in your engine. You may be one of the many who have no trouble with them or sell of the truck before failure but the percentage of problems with Autolites as compared to Motorcraft is exponentially higher.

As for Motorcraft, I have not had a problem with mine and I have not run across anyone else who has in four and a half years on 9+ forums that deal with diesels, Fords, towing and the like.

You can do as you wish.

Dave / Believer45

 

I have the same problem with 3 glow plugs on my '97 F250 Powerstroke (206,000 miles). My mechanic is ready to remove both cylinder heads tomorrow due to siezed glow plug electrodes. He has tried (for several days) penetrating oil with no results. I am concerned at this point about debris from the electrode being left inside. Is it best to remove the heads now or should we keep on trying the penetrating oil method? If the heads are removed, what gotcha's are there that we should look for? How mush should head removal cost on a powerstroke?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
rus7755

 

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I have a 1992 F350 with the 7.3. Would the articals you have posted help me replace my glow plugs too?

 

May I ask why you are replacing the original ones? Have you verified they are bad?

They're just a resistor, not much to go wrong (aside from the Autolite horror stories), either they work, or they don't.

 

hetmaster, you have an idi. Go to the idi forum and they will have instructions for gp replacement [much easier than powerstroke]