Glow plugs

[Steve Q]

I'm going to be changing my glow plugs next week and getting my trusted local garage to do it (they've serviced the car since it was 3 years old).  My A6 is the 2.5tdi V6 155bhp AYM engine. Mileage is currently 340,300 miles. 

I've asked them what manufacturer the glow plugs are and they said I have a choice between Bosh or NGK. price doesn't both me, I just want what's best. What do you guys think are best? 

Had a search online and on the c5 UK Facebook group with limited discussion on whats best. Just one guy saying bosh was best and is whats was fitted when new. Is that right? 

Also should I change the glow plug relay too for peace of mind? And if so is there any brand you'd recommend?

Thanks for your advice 🙂

[audia4b5kev]

BOCSH  ALL THE TIME  

[Steve Q]

1 hour ago, audia4b5kev said:

BOCSH  ALL THE TIME  

Thanks kev 🙂 why are they better do you know? 

[audia4b5kev]

better  german tecno     

[Stevey Y]

15 hours ago, Steve Q said:

I'm going to be changing my glow plugs next week and getting my trusted local garage to do it (they've serviced the car since it was 3 years old).  My A6 is the 2.5tdi V6 155bhp AYM engine. Mileage is currently 340,300 miles. 

I've asked them what manufacturer the glow plugs are and they said I have a choice between Bosh or NGK. price doesn't both me, I just want what's best. What do you guys think are best? 

Had a search online and on the c5 UK Facebook group with limited discussion on whats best. Just one guy saying bosh was best and is whats was fitted when new. Is that right? 

Also should I change the glow plug relay too for peace of mind? And if so is there any brand you'd recommend?

Thanks for your advice 🙂

Hi if you change the Glowies sensible money says change the relay, Bosch are O.E. and its a no brainer if the originals have lasted this long, I wish your garage the best of luck as unless they have been changed before and the threads greased on reassembly its a nail biter of a job.

Steve.

[Steve Q]

23 minutes ago, Stevey Y said:

Hi if you change the Glowies sensible money says change the relay, Bosch are O.E. and its a no brainer if the originals have lasted this long, I wish your garage the best of luck as unless they have been changed before and the threads greased on reassembly its a nail biter of a job.

Steve.

Thanks Steve. Yep they've worked me they might need to get a specialist in if they can't get them out. They've assured me the car will be ready before Saturday when I do the London to Brighton modern classics run! 

I'll go with bosh then. Do you know who supplied the original relay? Was it bosh? I'd like genuine OE if possible instead of aftermarket parts. If it is aftermarket is there any you'd recommend? 

Thanks again for your help. 

[Steve Q]

1 hour ago, audia4b5kev said:

better  german tecno     

Thanks Kev 🙂

[Steve Q]

27 minutes ago, Stevey Y said:

Hi if you change the Glowies sensible money says change the relay, Bosch are O.E. and its a no brainer if the originals have lasted this long, I wish your garage the best of luck as unless they have been changed before and the threads greased on reassembly its a nail biter of a job.

Steve.

Also should I change the glow plug wiring harness while I'm at it? Or is that just over kill? 

[Stevey Y]

6 hours ago, Steve Q said:

Thanks Steve. Yep they've worked me they might need to get a specialist in if they can't get them out. They've assured me the car will be ready before Saturday when I do the London to Brighton modern classics run! 

I'll go with bosh then. Do you know who supplied the original relay? Was it bosh? I'd like genuine OE if possible instead of aftermarket parts. If it is aftermarket is there any you'd recommend? 

Thanks again for your help. 

Hi relays are probably Hella but TBH most branded relays are good, as for the connecting loom I wouldn't bother unless its as stiff as a Skinheads boot and showing signs of splitting/insulation failure they don't have to do a lot and will soon let you know when they need changing as they normally melt.

Steve.

[Steve Q]

43 minutes ago, Stevey Y said:

Hi relays are probably Hella but TBH most branded relays are good, as for the connecting loom I wouldn't bother unless its as stiff as a Skinheads boot and showing signs of splitting/insulation failure they don't have to do a lot and will soon let you know when they need changing as they normally melt.

Steve.

Thanks so much for your advice Steve 🙂

[Stevey Y]

23 minutes ago, Steve Q said:

Thanks so much for your advice Steve 🙂

Hi I am sure it won't be a drama, my rule of thumb has been to get the engine warm and use a low nm torque wrench set at 25nm and normally there is a bit of a crack as they let go, the idea of the warming up is that the plugs are a different metal to the housing thread so they cool quicker and contract.

Steve.

[Steve Q]

2 hours ago, Stevey Y said:

Hi I am sure it won't be a drama, my rule of thumb has been to get the engine warm and use a low nm torque wrench set at 25nm and normally there is a bit of a crack as they let go, the idea of the warming up is that the plugs are a different metal to the housing thread so they cool quicker and contract.

Steve.

Thank you 🙂 hoping it goes straight forward for the garage. 

[Steve Q]

Just an update on this, 

I knew my gut was right, only 3 out of 6 of my glow plugs were working! 😮🤦‍♂️ So I've had them changed for new bosh components. 

On top of that the battery was only working at 55% capacity! 

I also had the glow plug relay changed for peace of mind, but keeping the old one as a spare on the road trips. 

Needless to say my A6 is all ready for her adventure this weekend. More to follow in that once I'm back 😉