Damage patterns in ceramic glow plugs
Damage to a ceramic glow plug can take the form of broken ceramic or a melted ceramic layer – usually as the result of excessively high or extended voltage due to a defect in the control unit or relay.
Overheating damage can occur if
- the injection point is incorrect, or if the injection pattern or fuel quantity is not right. Check: injection point, fuel flow rate
- combustion error due to oil in combustion chamber.
Check: leaks in valves and pistons
Overvoltage damage can result from...
- installation of the incorrect glow plug (12V instead of 24V).
Check: was the right glow plug selected?
- defective control unit, which generates excess voltage or shuts off the current too late. Check: control unit/glow relay
- a generator that generates too much voltage.
Check: generator
A broken heating coil or a broken ceramic layer on the sheath…
- is the result of extreme overheating or overvoltage.
Causes: see overvoltage damage
Breakage on the housing or connector…
- occurs as a result of tightening to the wrong torque
- incorrect application of the wrench
