Morning all. My v6 is surrounded by grey-bluish smoke on a cold start for about 10-20 seconds, then it clears. On a hot restart it is all clear. Sometimes it is a bit lumpy on a cold start for a few seconds then perfect. The other day it failed to start on first attempt, but second crank was ok, it fired up instantly (I did wait for glowplugs to warm up). I am fairly new to the v6 so just wondered if these symptoms were kind of normal. btw just 75k miles but 8 years old. My suspicion is that maybe 1 or 2 glowplugs have gone open circuit, but have not tested them.

Sounds probable.

Just had exactly the same problem with mine, and it was two glow plugs - I guess they've been getting a good workout through the winter and the weaker ones gave up.

One was open circuit and the other close to being out of range when I tested it - if you have a multi tester you can find out how to test them on the internet whilst in situ.

I replaced all 6 (just me being OTT with maintenance and getting a good deal from TPS) and I have no smoke on start up and no lumpiness when cold.

Easy access (front right a bit tight to get to though)

You'll need a 10mm deep socket, a universal joint (for the front right unless you want to remove the part of the inlet manifold that obstructs it), associated ratchet and extensions and something to aid getting the terminal covers off (I used long nose pliers).

I read on the internet that the V6 suffers from the glow plugs being seized so after removing the leads I gave them a squirt of penetrating fluid and left them while I had a brew. I blew out the recesses, with an air line, to get rid of the penetrant and they all came out with no issues though I was careful when initially loosening the plugs.

Be careful when putting in the new plugs and hand tighten as much as you can so you don't risk cross threading the plug.

Tighten to approx 18-20nm, all in less than an hour start to finish (and that includes the brew)

Edited 29 March, 201016 yr by Cledwen

Thank you very much mate, will probably change them all, I tend to be a bit "OTT" myself with maintenance!

I have just bought a set of 6 Delphi plugs. Would a squirt or two of WD40 be sufficient to loosen the threads, any advice? Or do I need something more substantial against seizure?

I have just bought a set of 6 Delphi plugs. Would a squirt or two of WD40 be sufficient to loosen the threads, any advice? Or do I need something more substantial against seizure?

WD40 though technically not a penetrant should be OK and is often used as such, at then end of the day it's better than nothing

WD40 though technically not a penetrant should be OK and is often used as such, at then end of the day it's better than nothing

I have bought as "Gas Plus", this is apparently a proper penetrant. Will give it a few treatments over several days before attempting removal. Hopefully it will be OK, fingers crossed.