Icat glow plugs are subject to continuous and accurate controls, in order to ensure full performance, reliability, duration.
However, like any other product which is used daily, glow plugs too are subject to wear: thus, it is necessary to keep them under control and, in case of malfunctioning, replace them.
In addition to normal use, glow plugs' wear might be the consequence of mechanical flaws of the engine or of a wrong installation.

Below are some hints on how to replace and install Icat glow plugs.
Please pay attention to the following instructions and procedures, and take always into account the recommended specifications of the tightening torque:



Replacements
  • Allow the engine to cool
  • Check that the key for the engine's ignition is in the OFF position.
  • Make sure that deposits of dirt which are in the hollow of the glow plug do not fall into the combustion chamber.
  • Remove the glow plugs by using specific tubular spanners.
  • Install the glow plugs by using specific tubular spanners, preferably a torque wrench. Excessive tightening could cause glow plug's overheating.
  • Tighten the nuts for the glow plug's electrical connection with the right tightening torque: when this one exceeds, you risk, indeed, damaging the glow plug and breaking the connecting pin.
Dismantling
  • Dismantle the nuts for the elctrical connection by using a tubular spanner (of 7mm or 8mm).
  • With a brush, clean the hollow around the glow plug, without dismantling it.
  • Dismantle the glow plug with a tubular spanner (in relation to the glow plug's nut, the key may vary from 8 to 21 mm).
Installation
  • When you replace a glow plug, be careful, do not let oil or dirt enter the cylinder.
  • Make sure that the glow plug is in the right position; then screw the glow plug by hand, to the point in which it cannot be tightened anymore.
  • At this point, use a torque wrench to tighten it up to the value of the tightening torque, as shown in the diagram.
Warnings
  • Do not use a lubricant for threads!
    When a lubricant for threads, such as grease, is applied on the thread, the resistance between the glow plug and the cylinder head decreases, with a higher tightening compared to the shown values of the torque: this could damage both the glow plug and the engine.
  • Be careful to the voltage and the entire system!
    A glow plug's damage is often caused by excessive voltage and/or overheating. Glow plugs are designed, indeed, to work at a temperature between 850 and 1200°C: an excessive and extended current flow may overheat them, by causing swelling, burn out or immediate failure.
    A faulty relay could be the reason of a breakdown: check the entire system before replacing a glow plug!