Just tried to change the glowplug in my 110tdi, unfortunately as the old one came out, it knocked some muck that was around the engine block into the hole. This is presumably going into the cylinder . . . now I'm pretty terrified about what damage it may do (I'm assuming it's grit). :'(

Does anyone know how to get this out? Turning the engine over without the glowplug in to puff it out?

I can't get the new one in either using gentle turns as this grit/muck is on the thread too.

I'm really quite worried about this . . panic mode. :S

You could try a hoover around the hole to try to suck the muck back out. Other than that I can't offer any suggestions, sorry.

if its only a bit of dirt then it will burn out and wont be a problem atall.

the dirt will just get burnt off so dont worry about it get some wd40 type stuff or even carb claener and toothbrush to clean thread and it shoud go in ok

If you guys are sure. I would have almost put money on it doing serious damage . . .

It's the really awkwardly located one so trying to clear it out now is a nightmare

Tried rubbing the offending dirt between my fingers, it seems to break down a fair bit, although not to a completely smooth state. My guess is it's a mixture of engine oil and road dust.

Edited 22 February, 201016 yr by yashicamat

it will be in the combustion chamber so will just get burnt with the fuel just getting the new one in will be a bit harder

New plug is in now, I cleaned the thread the best I could with a strip of cloth wrapped around a thin screwdriver, wetted with WD40. New plug went in OK, I eased it back and forwards. Just scared to start it now . . .

Chances are it will be fine.

Seems to be OK - ran it to the shops and back (guinness needed now for stress relief). I guess the next MOT will tell on emissions, or if it starts consuming oil rapidly.

Wouldn't worry too much, you can't drop a lot down a glow plug hole anyway.

Yeah. Thanks for the rapid responses folks. On retrospect, I was panicking a bit too much I think!

Future reference

Qtips and some grease to get grit out followed by some soaked in WD40 or similar to clean the thread..

It's always a good idea to clean round glow plugs , spark plugs etc before removal . I use a stiff small paint brush dipped in diesel . I have a small can of diesel kept for new fuel filter priming. A small amount of copper anti-seize on the glow plugs threads should keep the threads from seizing.