In order to keep the truck from throwing a trouble code and check engine light because of a bad glow plug, I decided to replace it. Okay, obvious, but what to replace it with?
I am in the "wait and see" camp with respect to the new 5 volt plugs, I couldn't find a supplier who still had the obsolete ceramic 7 volt Bosch plugs and Etecno1 plugs are still unavailable. So I went with a 11.5 volt Beru that is close enough to be a temporary replacement.
The 11 volt Beru GN055 might have been a better match but I couldn't get it here so I went with the 11.5 volt Beru GN003. In the picture, the metal Beru is above, the old ceramic Bosch is below.
The tip length is slightly longer but doesn't come in contact with the piston.
The threads are slightly off as well but thread engagement with the plug seated is the important part.
______ threads __ turns until seated
Bosch __ 12 ______ 11
Beru ___ 11 ______ 8
The distance of 8 turns for thread engagement compared to minor diameter is 90% engagement.
Considering that the hollow stainless plug is prabably weaker than the aluminum stock (tops do snap off before either threads strip), anything over 75% is bonus.
Seat angle (next pic) is the same and the bevel size is similar.
Both plugs have an electrical connection diameter of .156 inch (top of plug).
The tab (see next picture) that "clicks" into the plastic part of the connector is a little bigger on the Beru (.326 inch) than the Bosch (.307 inch) and not quite the same shape. The connector pushed onto the Beru is tight but lacks the "click".
The truck seems to start and run fine. Far better than with the bad ceramic Bosch.
