There were about 8 million diesel passenger vehicles on the road in 2016, which is an increase from 2014 when only 1.5% of light duty vehicles were diesel powered. When cars or pickup trucks have a diesel engine, it is important to know what is happening under the hood. For example, let’s say you have a diesel vehicle with 6.0 powerstroke glow plugs. You might wonder, what are 6.0 powerstroke glow plugs? Do they need to be replaced? Also, do I need to keep them clean?
What Are 6.0 Powerstroke Glow Plugs?
A glow plug in a diesel engine is a heating device that assists the starting of the engine when the temperature is below a certain point. In cold weather it is not uncommon for a diesel engine to have some trouble turning over. A glow plug helps the engine do this by igniting the fuel system in conditions the engine normally wouldn’t be able to in. It’s a good idea to check that you have quality glow plugs before the winter season.
When to Replace 6.0 Powerstroke Glow Plugs.
There are a few outward indications that your diesel engines 6.0 powerstroke parts need attention. The first and most obvious sign is the engine is slow to kick over, or if it refuses to start at all. If the engine starts but begins to spew white smoke you’ll know for sure. Don’t worry, as replacing glow plugs is fairly simple. If you’ve ever replaced spark plugs, you can replace glow plugs. Still, it is a good idea to check them periodically during cleaning for signs of excessive wear.
Cleaning Your 6.0 Powerstroke Glow Plugs.
To clean a glow plug, begin by removing the top of the plug wire and then removing the glow plug wire itself. Use a socket wrench to grab the glow plug firmly, and remove it from the engine by twisting counterclockwise. To clean, simply spray the glow plug liberally with brake parts cleaner and air dry. Re-attach them by reversing the removal process.
If you have a diesel engine, it’s a good idea to know what’s going on under the hood. Taking care of simple parts such as the glow plugs is fairly simple once you know the process. It would be a shame to get caught with a dead engine in the middle of winter.