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If your vehicle runs on diesel, you would understand the importance of a glow plug. A good glow plug could make a world of difference for your vehicle, but they’re rare to come across, especially given how competitive the market has gotten.
There are many brands making big claims, which leaves one confused as to which is the perfect product for you. The abundance of options only makes it worse.
However, we have a comprehensive post listing some excellent products and all the information you need about glow plugs in general.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Glow Plugs For 7.3 Powerstroke
- OUR TOP PICK: OEM Ford / Motorcraft Idi 7.3l DIESEL Glow Plug Zd-9- Zf2tz-12a342-a
- Wellman Glow Plugs
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Motorcraft ZD11
Comparison Chart of the Best 7.3 Powerstroke Glow Plugs
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What is a Glow Plug and What is it Used For?
A glow plug is an electrical device that is employed to provide ignition for a diesel engine. Unlike a spark plug, a glow plug is not necessary for an engine to start; however, during colder temperatures, a diesel engine tends to face troubles during ignition as the intake air temperature isn’t high enough for proper ignition, resulting in exhaust emissions. This problem is solved by a glow plug. A glow plug is only used during the ignition process and doesn’t work throughout the drive.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Glow Plugs
You may be wondering what factors of a glow plug make it a worthy investment. Fortunately, we have listed all the elements of a glow plug you should consider before committing to a product. Let’s take a look at them:
Durable
A glow plug is generally a pretty affordable investment, yet you should opt for a product that is well-constructed from high-quality materials and offers superior quality performance. This is crucial so that you don’t keep repurchasing a glow plug just because the previous ones burnt out.
Warranty
A product backed by a warranty will ensure the reliability of the product and give you a window to return the unit if it didn’t work out for you or if it wasn’t compatible with your vehicle. The brand name matters as well since renowned brands often give good warranties and have great customer service.
High Heating Speed and Thermal Performance
The construction of the product will decide if it is efficient in heating and if it provides good thermal performance. A good product will always be constructed from superior quality materials, offering even thermal expansion and efficient heating for speedy ignition.
Review of the Best 7.3 Power stroke Glow Plugs
Here is a list of the best glow plugs for 7.3 power stroke on the market. Going for one of these will ensure you end up with the best product.
Best Overall:
OEM Ford / Motorcraft Idi 7.3l DIESEL Glow Plug Zd-9- Zf2tz-12a342-a
PROS
PROS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of buyers were pretty impressed with the working of this product. They commended the quality construction of the product, which allowed it to warm up really well in a small amount of time, which means it can help with the ignition of the engine very effectively. Some did complain about it not working well for solenoid type glow plugs; however, they were quite impressed by its compatibility.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for being highly effective in igniting the engine quickly. The solid material construction of the product allows it to have great thermal expansion. Furthermore, it heats up to great temperatures in just a small amount of time.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be perfect for anyone who has been looking for an easy-to-install, superior quality glow plug from a renowned brand. This unit is highly reliable as it comes with a 12-month warranty and is durable due to the solid construction. It would not require frequent replacements.
Bottom Line
Overall, this unit is a great purchase. It is of high quality and heats up in a very small amount of time. It offers excellent thermal expansion and gets hotter than many of its counterparts. You can’t go wrong with this product.
Runner-up:
Wellman Glow Plugs
PROS
PROS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers were thoroughly impressed with the performance of this unit. It was quick to heat up and complete the circuit for a swift and smooth ignition process. Buyers commended the quality construction and durability of the product as it lasted way longer than most of the glow plugs they had previously used.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are multiple reasons for which this unit stands out to us. Firstly, you will notice a substantial difference when starting your car as it allows you to smoothly ignite your engine by heating up 20% faster than most of its counterparts. It gets hot up to 100 degrees, which is perfect for a smooth ignition process.
Who Will Use This Most
This would work for many people. Often times, a glow plug swells and may cause damage to your vehicle; however, this product doesn’t do that. If you drive a vehicle that is compatible with this product and can fit it perfectly, it’ll prove to be the best glow plug you’ve ever bought.
Bottom Line
All in all, this unit is your safe bet. If your budget allows you to purchase this, you should definitely give it a try, as it will not disappoint. The manufacturing brand is renowned for products with quality construction, and this is surely a great example of that. The product, overall, is a great investment.
Best for the Money:
Motorcraft ZD11
PROS
PROS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are extremely happy with the performance of this product. Many buyers comment that this is one of the best they’ve come across in a while. Its corrosion-resistant construction makes it a consumer favorite. Consumers also loved the design of the product, which enabled it to be easy to install.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for multiple reasons. Firstly, this product, unlike many others, is corrosion-resistant and vibration-resistant. The major wear and tear noticed in a standard glow plug is caused by corrosion, which isn’t the case with this one. Its durable construction extends its lifetime, and the limited lifetime warranty makes it highly reliable.
Who Will Use This Most
This would work for anyone looking for a good replacement glow plug. It is not a complete set; thus, it will be perfect if one of your original glow plugs has burned out or isn’t performing well enough. The quality of the product is exceptional, and it fits a number of different vehicles.
Bottom Line
Overall, it is an exceptional unit that is worthy of investment. The product is manufactured by Motorcraft; thus, it is one of the best quality units you can get your hands on. The brand is renowned globally for creating excellent quality, durable units, and this is one of them.
4. Ensun E2TZ12A342A
PROS
PROS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers were impressed with the functionality of this unit. For many buyers, this proved to be the perfect replacement set as it came with 8 glow plugs. Furthermore, its quality construction allowed it to be durable and last more than an average glow plug they had previously tested out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit caught our eye for many reasons. Firstly, it works exceptionally well for something so decently priced. It offers an efficient and smooth ignition process. Moreover, it is constructed with great quality materials; thus, it doesn’t need to be replaced every few months, unlike other glow plugs.
Who Will Use This Most
If your vehicle is compatible with this product, it’ll prove to be a great purchase. This unit is extremely easy to install as it has an ergonomic design. Furthermore, it proves to be a long-term investment as its superior quality construction makes it sturdy and rugged.
Bottom Line
All in all, it is a great quality product. If you can find one compatible with your vehicle, then you should definitely invest in one. Ensun is known to create some of the best glow plugs on the market, and this unit is one of the best ones they’ve created, which makes it worthy of investment.
5. T444E Diesel Glow Plugs
PROS
PROS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are impressed with the performance of this unit. Many commended this product to last years, unlike many poorly constructed glow plugs that fail to last for months. It proved to be incredibly easy to install for people, which makes it very convenient.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit undergoes strict examination and testing policies before it is delivered to your doorstep. This ensures the superior quality performance of the product. Furthermore, it counteracts a common issue faced by many, which is of a glow plug swelling and performs smoothly.
Who Will Use This Most This unit is great for the vehicles it can fit and is compatible with. The quality construction and the overall performance it provides makes it one of the best glow-plugs you can get your hands on.
Bottom Line
Overall, this unit is an excellent investment. You don’t have to worry about it failing you as it is durable and tested to be highly reliable. It is constructed from superior quality material, which ensures its excellent performance and prevents it from swelling.
Why Should I Get a New Glow Plugs?
Are you still unsure if you should invest in new glow plugs? Perhaps, these advantages could help you in deciding which route to go.
Inexpensive
Glow plugs are not going to break the bank at all. They are one of the most budget-friendly investments you will make for your vehicle, which holds great importance. At any time, if you need a replacement due to the malfunctioning of a glow plug, you can buy that easily without feeling as if it costs you too much.
Proper Ignition
It is true that a diesel engine will work without a glow plug; however, in low temperatures, a diesel engine cannot provide proper ignition, resulting in exhaust emissions. This problem is solved by investing in a glow plug. So, you can get proper ignition during all kinds of weather without any hindrance.
Variety
There are many brands that make glow plugs. You may see several sets of glow plugs available on the market. But this abundance gives one a huge variety to choose from. You don’t necessarily need to buy a whole set of glow plugs. If you notice only a single glow plug malfunctioning and you don’t need the entire set, you can only replace that by buying a single glow plug. You have a ton of brands to choose from.
How to Change Glow Plugs on 7.3 Power stroke
You may, at times, need to change the glow plugs on your 7.3 power stroke. It is not a difficult job once you learn how to do it.
First things first, remove the intake tube from the filter and the boost pipe from the intercooler. Next, remove the main connector for the engine harness as well as the bracket that it is mounted to with a 10-millimeter screwdriver. Removing the main connector is important since it is going to cause a hindrance when we try to remove the valve cover beneath which is where our glow plugs will go.
Unplug the valve cover and remove all the bolts from it and pull the valve cover out. You can also remove the valve cover gasket if needed. Then, unclip the injectors beneath and unplug the globe plug by reaching your hand down the hook and pulling them out.
Now, get your glow plugs and install them beneath the individual fuel injector using two turn and not ten as then the rocker will get in the way, making it hard to come out due to limited space. Take a towel and clean the surface between the head and the gasket so they can be sealed well. Put the gasket back in with the rubber side inwards and plug all the wires back in swiftly.
Of course, reading all this will be pretty confusing. However, you can get some clarity by watching this video:
Conclusion
Glow plugs can be hard to purchase, especially if you aren’t familiar with the device. However, if you keep in mind the factors you need to consider before buying them and the advantages they carry, you will have no trouble in investing in one. Furthermore, it will always be helpful to compare different products, features, and price points and do extensive research on a product before buying it. This way, you’ll be guaranteed to land a decent product.
People Also Ask
People have many questions when it comes to buying the best glow plugs for a 7.3 power stroke; thus, we took the liberty of picking your most frequently asked questions and answering them. This section will hopefully clarify any confusion you might have left about these plugs.
How Many Glow Plugs Does a 7.3 Have?
The glow plugs for a 7.3 Power stroke are located beneath the valve covers and beside every individual fuel injector. Thus, a 7.3 Power stroke has a total of 8 glow plugs.
Are Glow Plugs the Same as Spark Plugs?
Glow plugs and spark plugs are both sources of ignition for an engine without which it wouldn’t function. However, the primary difference between them is that they are found in different types of engines. Spark plugs are found in gasoline engines, whereas glow plugs are commonly found in diesel engines.
How Do I Know if my Glow Plugs are Working?
An easy way to test whether or not the glow plugs are working is by checking their resistance for which you would need a multimeter with a known resistance value.
First, locate the glow plugs and then remove their wires in your engine. Then, take the positive lead of the multimeter and touch it to the positive terminal of the glow plug, and the negative lead to the negative terminal of the glow plug simultaneously and record the resistance your device shows.
Subtract the resistance value of your multimeter from the resistance value of the glow plug. If the obtained value exceeds the specified value, your glow plugs won’t function properly and will likely need replacement.
