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LLY Glow Plugs the Easy Way

16K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  ChristoPablo 
#1 ·
I had a #6 glow plug go bad on my 2004 LLY (P0676 DTC Code). After reading lots of threads about horror stories of twisted off glow plugs, I decided to do some research. I spoke with a friend who is a tech at a GM dealership and he confirmed that they twist off in the head "all the time." He described a method of getting them out with drill bits and easy outs. This did not sound appealing to me. Note that my truck has 230,000 miles on it and I am not the original owner. I assumed that these were original glow plugs but I can't say for sure.

Here is what I did and it worked PERFECTLY. I sprayed them all down with Kroil, which is supposed to be about the best penetrating oil you can buy. Anyone that has used it says it is many times better than PB Blaster. I can't verify this, because this is the first time I used it.

I sprayed all four driver's side glow plugs with the Kroil (2,4,6,8). Since #6 was the culprit and also the easiest to get to, I went after it first. I allowed the Kroil to soak for about an hour and then tried it with a socket and ratchet. The glow plug wouldn't budge. I was sure it would twist off if I put any more nuts behind it. Next I went after my 1/2" drive cordless Ridgid impact driver. I impacted it lightly until it spun right out. I couldn't believe how great this worked! I decided to replace the other 3 glow plugs on the driver's side since I already had the wheel well out. They all came right out as well with the cordless impact and an extension. I installed the new ones with some anti-seize so that next time it will be even easier. I would recommend to anyone to use the electric impact method. The key is to start very light and work your way into it. If you go after it full-throttle you will likely break one. I got this idea from an internet search where a British company sells a low-powered air impact for this purpose. No one in the US sells such a beast. A cordless impact and some finesse is all you need! Keep in mind for the driver's side glow plugs you will have to disassemble the down pipe and steering shaft to get access to all of the glow plugs. They are both really easy to get out of the way, adding only about 5 minutes to the whole job.

I am going to wait to do the passenger side glow plugs until one of them goes bad and then I will do all four of them at the same time as well. I can't believe no one has posted this idea before because it works so well (at least if they have posted it I couldn't find it in any searches). Share with your friends!
 
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#2 ·
Not a bad idea if it works every time. I noted some details that need to be pointed out for anyone looking into this for themselves.

Drivers side doesn't need the "downpipe" removed... It would be the Drivers side intercooler tube that needs to be removed along with the steering shaft. Also, use something to hold the steering wheel so your clock spring doesn't break.
 
#5 ·
Good point. "Down pipe" was the wrong term. Intercooler tube is correct. As far as the clock spring, I'm not sure what it takes to break one. All I did was remove the single bolt from the middle of the steering shaft and slid it apart. The wheel inside never turned. How does one break a clock spring?
 
#3 ·
I'm guessing u have an impact with variable speed?? Some of the electric ones have a trigger that's basicly an on/off switch, that kind would scare me! When I changed mine I just used a ratchet, my testicles arnt big enough to try a impact....thats prolly just me though...lol

Sent from my SPH-D710
 
#4 ·
Yes it is a variable speed. You can be very gentle with it or it is rated for 300 ft/lbs if you go full throttle. The key is to ease into it and let it hammer at a very light torque before increasing any at all. Even then, increase very slowly. It did not take much before mine spun right out. The cordless impact has a much different feel than an air impact. It is a lighter/faster feel than an air impact. I'm not sure I would try an air impact on glow plugs. The cordless worked perfectly.
 
#6 ·
If the steering wheel turns with nothing to stop it the clockspring can break. It's NOT CHEAP! So any time you disconnect the steering shaft you should tie the steering wheel to something so it won't turn.
 
#8 ·
No it's not actually a spring. It's the ribbon that gives the airbag and any steering wheel controls power all the way through turning the wheel. I just had to replace mine so I'm well aware of how easy it will tear loose. And it takes a bit of time to replace. Hopefully this will prevent anyone else from having to do it.
 
#9 ·
We use Kroil all the time at work and at home. I remember my dad bringing a can home from work when I was growing up and it worked great so we keep a couple cans around all the time now. Much better then any other penetrating lubricant we have tried over the years, it is pricey but if it loosens things up and keeps one from breaking things it is worth the extra cost.
 
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