Diesel Glow Plugs Replacement
It is possible to start a warm diesel engine without using a glow plug, or in warm climates, thanks to the relatively high temperature of the intake air and the relatively low ignition temperature of diesel. However, this isn’t enough to ensure proper ignition of the injected fuel in all temperatures, which results in increased exhaust emissions. A diesel glow plug solves this issue. It is an electrical heating device located in each cylinder of the diesel engine that ensures reliable starts in all weather conditions.
It is possible to start a warm diesel engine without using a glow plug, or in warm climates, thanks to the relatively high temperature of the intake air and the relatively low ignition temperature of diesel. However, this isn’t enough to ensure proper ignition of the injected fuel in all temperatures, which results in increased exhaust emissions. A diesel glow plug solves this issue. It is an electrical heating device located in each cylinder of the diesel engine that ensures reliable starts in all weather conditions.
Diesel glow plugs diagnosis
How do diesel glow plugs work?
Unlike a spark plug that is working continuously while you drive, glow plugs are only needed during the ignition process. The glow plugs work by electrifying the heating element so it heats up and emits visible light (hence the name). Intake air is compressed before the fuel injector spray directs fuel onto the hot tip of the glow plug during the injection of the fuel. The injected fuel mixes with the compressed air to evaporate and start combustion almost simultaneously, even when the engine is cold.
Do the glow plugs stay on whilst the engine is running?
Unlike a spark plug that is working continuously while you drive, glow plugs are only needed during the ignition process. The glow plugs work by electrifying the heating element so it heats up and emits visible light (hence the name). Intake air is compressed before the fuel injector spray directs fuel onto the hot tip of the glow plug during the injection of the fuel. The injected fuel mixes with the compressed air to evaporate and start combustion almost simultaneously, even when the engine is cold.
How long do glow plugs last?
Unlike a spark plug that is working continuously while you drive, glow plugs are only needed during the ignition process. The glow plugs work by electrifying the heating element so it heats up and emits visible light (hence the name). Intake air is compressed before the fuel injector spray directs fuel onto the hot tip of the glow plug during the injection of the fuel. The injected fuel mixes with the compressed air to evaporate and start combustion almost simultaneously, even when the engine is cold.
Black smoke
Black smoke is an imbalance in the fuel mixture. Too much fuel and not enough air. There is too much fuel added to the mix and not enough oxygen to burn the fuel correctly. The timing also may be advanced as opposed to retarded. Get a timing light attach it and rotate your distributor until the timing is correct.
White smoke
There is not enough heat to burn the fuel. The unburnt fuel travels through the exhaust and comes out the back tailpipe as white smoke. A damaged or faulty glow plug module can cause white smoke on engine startup. If the engine has warmed up and there is still white smoke then there may be one or more bad injectors, retarded timing, or a worn injector pump.
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