How to change glow plugs in a VW Transporter T4 2.4D (AAB engine)?

I did take off the injector and connectors, super easy with a 27mm injector socket

Drewbinson
November 2014

Not that hard just did mine in the rain chamonix autumn!
Real cow was putting the 8 mm nut back on for the wire!!! A mhgfgffg, i only had a crap bend 8mm spanner a 12mm french pipe spanner and a 13mm normal spanner oh and a pair of multi grips
Just need to grind a few mm of the pump mounting easer next time,

Drewbinson
November 2014

bad starting may not be the plugs, it could be the starter. Because it sounds like it's doing its job it's not obvious, but the old starter may not have the poke to fire the engine up, so draining the battery etc. My van would only start on easy start, changed plugs, no difference. Changed starter and it all works no problem. Amazing the difference! Van is now reliable again.

Type25Dude
February 2014

all u need is a pair of extra long long nose pliers, get one finger in on the end of the plug n use the pliers to turn the plug, u can only get about a quarter of a turn at a time but it took me about 5 mins to do the 1 behind the fuel pump. if u cant do it then ur in the wrong trade!

mike
January 2011

which ever german doughnut but the pump there wants f---ing

cut knuckles
January 2011

You mention removing the timing belt cover. My cover is missing and I need to buy a replacement but the VW dealer does not have the correct part number in their system (ETKA)
Can anyone out there please look on the timing belt cover of their AAB engine and get me the part numbers off the upper and lower covers? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

California Jeff
July 2010

Start by pulling out the radiator housing. This lifts forward to give a little better access. I found the easiest way to change the gloplugs was to take out the alternator. This is two bolts and a clip, so dead easy. This allows access to 3 of the 5 plugs and two of those can be taken out with a long socket. Two plugs are behind the diesel pump on the right. You can access the left one with an ordinary spanner though it is fiddly, but a good light will allow you to see it enough to do it. The rightmost plug is a bugger. With the timing belt cover off as described above, it is very hard to see and unless it turns easily will be virtually impossible to remove. (If it is removed how easy will it be to replace?) It might be that removing the injectors for better access is possible, but I didn't try this and gave it up. (So have only changed 4 out of 5). Also change air filter and fuel filter dangling down behind the nearside light. Also consider changing fuel line to the filter. Putting it all back is straightforward, the belt for the alternator, etc, is tough and takes 2 people, one to force back the lever that holds the little pressure wheel, and one to insert the screw. The centre of this can be kept from turning with the screw by wedging a screwdriver between the back of the wheel and the engine. When released the wheel tensions up the belt. All of this is a long job and is a lot more comfortable indoors.

type25dude
May 2010

http://robst4.blogspot.com/2008/03/glow-plug-change.html


Its pretty easy really. The only "specail" tool you need is £9.99 from halfords. The link has picks and instructions. It is much preferable time wise to spend the £9.99 as it meens you dont have to remove the sump. (or anything else for that matter) its a 45min job if your quick, 1.5hrs if your slow. Hope that helps.

Darren, how was it moor trouble than its worth? My vans worth around £1500 quid and it makes me say £300 per week. @ £10 per hour those plugs would have to take about 200 hours to fit for it to be "more trouble than it was worth."
Sorry if this offends you but ffs, if you found this hard, you need to find a new line of work!!!!

Delta9
January 2009

yup, as an enthusiastic amateur, i got the first one in but had a mare with the rest.

Decided that the gargage had far more tools for the job and gave it to them! good luck to you if you go for it!

jim
July 2008

hi did mine in half hour (but thr radiator was off car so access waseasier) you dont need to remove the diesel pump or alternator the one behind the pump just take the belt cover off and you can reach the bolt from the side with doe spanner.
the one behind the alternator you can get to from underneath the car. what you will need is a magnet on a telescopic arm to put the 8mm nuts back on.

mick
April 2008

did it 2 years ago and 4 were ok but the one behind pump is realy hard to get to,i now am on comp coz me van is not starting and have to do it again today sh*t
matt

matt
December 2007

I've just done that task, without specail tools you're looking at removing the diesel pump, pipes and alternator from the engine alone. if the engine starts from cold LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!
I'm a petrol engine mechanic and hated doing the job, it was more trouble than it was worth.
Darren

darren
December 2007