Diesel T4 glow plug, where the hell is it?

[JakeT4]

G'day all,
I have a few questions im hoping someone can answer.
I stumbled apon this site, which search for some answers.

I "think" i need to replace the glow plug in the van.
I say i think because, i have no real idea. :?
1999 VW Transporter, TDi 2.5

Van parked in brock gargae over night, in Melbourne.

I go to start the van first thing in the morning, glow plug light comes on for maybe 5seconds, then it's off.
Cranks over but wont fire. You have to do that maybe 6-7 times for it to fire.
If i go for a drive, leave for an hour then start again, no worries starts up first time.
But if i drive and leave it for same 4-5 hours in a cold place i have to go throu the same saga of getting it to start again.

No the next issue is if it is glow plug, where can i find the little blighter.
The manual that came with it mentions it, but never points it out.
And well i have no idea what the hell im looking at.
Iv'e been told it's easy to replace yadda yadda, but i need to find it first :?

Any help you can offer would be FAN BLOODY TASTIC! :D

Thanks for reading Jake

[JakeT4]

Sorry i think i put this in the wrong section n:

[phaeton]

Welcome to VWwA Jake j:

Our T4 experts will post shortly ;)

In the mean time use our gallery function to post images of your ride :D

[jets]

I will start the ball rolling. I have not had any experience in changing a glow plug on my T4.These are the steps you need to take in doing any repairs.
1. Understand [if possible] how it works.
2. Troubleshoot, in this case with a meter or test light
3. Replace faulty parts.

The reason I have spelt this out is that it's no good just guessing what is wrong & replacing parts. This is expensive & often frustrating.
Incidently there is one glowplug for each cyl. & my guess is that some will be difficult to get access to. I would first check if you are getting power to the busbar & for enough time. If not check your relay etc. If there is power at that point I would remove the busbar & check each glowbar for open cicuit.
Only then would I replace any glow plugs.

[JakeT4]

1. Thanks mate, im trying to understand hence my thread asking for help.:)

2.Iv'e also read this http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/GlowPlugs.shtml#GlowPlugTesting which someone else posted.
but I can't test what i can't find:?
That is not the same as my engine bay

3. i cant replace what i can't find.:?
Thats why i have asked for directions on where i can find these things.
I don't mind spending the $$ i just want to give it a shot myself.

I look forward to some more replies and help

[phaeton]

So do I :D

seano, Maris where are you guys :D ?

[JakeT4]

Seems i am not worthy of replies j:

[jets]

The glowplugs are on the front side of the engine screwed into the side of the cyl head & look a little like small spark plugs. They have a heavy elect. conductor connecting them all logether.[busbar] At one end is the cable connection from the glowplug relay.

http://vwt4.forumsplace.com/message-2340.html&highlight=changing+glowplugs

[JakeT4]

Thanks Jets, i have registered so i can read the thread.