24mm

 

You need a 12MM Deep Socket..................Id suggest a 1/4" drive so you will not apply enough force to twist them in two if they stick taking them out.

There are many threads on here to help you with the "How To's"

PS. be SURE to use thread lubricant putting them back in.

 

Thanks, I am reading one from 2012 right now. I've got a pretty good idea of how to do it now. Just need to get some penetrant lube and hope for the best.

 

Just take your time and do not get in a rush and use too much force.

Penetrating oil works best when the engine is warm.

Another thread tells how to use two sockets to tap on the plug to try and dislodge the threads, breaking it loose.

I have been lucky, I have changed all four on the drivers side and they all came out very easy. The next time I change my engine mounted fuel filter I am going to remove all four on the passengers side and put Never-Seize on them since I will have the fender liner off anyway.

Just a thought if the first two come off easily to prevent problems in the future. In truth you will probably be replacing the others within a year or so anyway, why not just replace them all now and be done with it?

 

The first one on the driver side (#2) is right behind the intercooler downpipe. How did you get to it?

 

I used a 1/4" wrench, a 9" extension and a deep 12MM socket. I just pushed the intercooler pipe aside enough to let the extension by. The wrench was completely clear of anything, No big problem. #6 was worse with the steering column intermediate shaft in the way but the same setup worked for me there too.

On both of them after the plug was loose and unscrewed I took the wrench off and finished removing it by hand. I reinserted it by hand and began threading it into its slot after using the thread lubricant. Then I put the wrench on and tightened it.

I really don't recall if I was able to keep the tools assembled or if I had to slip the socket onto the plug and then snap the extension onto the socket. I just did what I had to at the time.

 

So I got them done tonight. The driver side is def a different animal than the passenger side which is completely open to all 4. I was able to move the intercooler pipe over just a little. I also feel like I lucked up as both of them turned right out. The connectors and their flange nut were very corroded. I used blaster spray and a wire brush to clean them up. Overall the work wasn't bad at all. I'm just happy nothing broke where is shouldn't have. They all actually seemed a little too easy to move. I used anti seize on the new ones. I also found that my fuel filter was loose! Glad I was in there. Hopefully tomorrow no pestering CELs!

The pic includes the new on the left with the old nut. The old threaded stem (#2) broke off with the nut when trying to get it out. I had to soak it in muriatic acid (perhaps overkill but I use it a lot to strip rust) then wd/40 for a few days to get the nut off. If anyone needs to know what size they are it's a M4.7. And it's tiny. Don't lose it!

 

12mm 6 point deap socket you'll find cutting it to be 1 1/4" long will help on the tighter to get to glow plugs, a little patience helps.
A few guys say you'll need to remove/loosen the steering shaft to get to either #4 or #6, I don't remember.
With the proper tools you don't have to remove anything except the 8mm nut and the glow plug.
Tools suggested below in the picture 1/4" drive will make the job a little easier.

I played the game of replacing one at a time, first #5, 3-4 months later #6 after that I just ordered 8 more (2 spares) when # 2 failed 4 and 8 was changed as well. When # 7 failed 1 and 3 was also changed.
It's not worth having to R&R the inner wheel liner 8 times for 8 glow plugs, IMO.

 

Yes sir! I used most of that right there. I had to get a 12mm deep well but it all worked just fine.

They are all rusted really bad. Makes me wonder if they were showing fault because rust inhibited continuity. I didn't test them because I had the new ones already. If I find that I need to replace any more in the near future. I'll probably do them all and the clean the wire terminals and cap nuts up.

Thanks for the guidance guys.

 

I had lost 2 nuts but I didn't give up looking for them, after a couple of hours with a flash light and mirror and magnet I found them.
I then ordered a set of 8 just to always have on hand from
http://www.merchant-automotive.com/10251-Glow-Plug-Nuts-Set-of-8-2004-5.aspx

 

This is a great resource. I'm ordering these today.

Ya I'm thinking I'll just order the remaining glow plugs and do the rest soon. Playing whack a mole with 8 of these will get old....and already has.

 

Suggestion don't just jump in and replace the other 6 at the sametime, when one goes bad on one side just replace the older ones on that side, same on the other side.
Also, when it comes to the passengers side consider replacing the fuel filter while you have the inner fender liner off.
Of course this also depends on when was the last time you changed the fuel filter.

I have the fuel filter access door but it's useless, the opening is to narrow, I alway end up having to remove the liner anyway.