hey chaps!

I think I am going to change my glow plugs and thermostat this weekend. Im not asking HOW to do it, just wondering if there are any things I need to know I might not expect, such as spanner sizes etc or is it two straight forward jobs?

When I change the thermostat, where will I be losing coolant from - engine/rad or both? Also, is OAT coolant sufficient?

Glow plug job looks simple enough, any special care I need to take, are the plugs prone to snapping?

any hints or tips will be much appreciated.

The reason I am doing the work is because the temp gauge doesn't get half way any more, not even close, but also in the last month I have the
"check glow plugs" message, so as a result my MPG is suffering though the car drives fine and starts fine also - may as well get it done before things get worse...

What one you got clivvy, the 115bhp or the 150 bhp, i think the glow plugs on the 150bhp look simple but the 115bhp look a little bit more difficult to sort

Clivvy said:

When I change the thermostat, where will I be losing coolant from - engine/rad or both? Also, is OAT coolant sufficient?.

Click to expand...

Engine and radiator coolant is the same, so will both drain out to the lowest point. i.e. the bottom of the thermostat when you remove it. If you jack the left side of the car up, you will lose less coolant.

Clivvy said:

Glow plug job looks simple enough, any special care I need to take, are the plugs prone to snapping?

in the last month I have the "check glow plugs" message,

Click to expand...

For the 80 and 115 bhp (I don't know about others) JTDs, two of the glow plugs are difficult to get to, so there is a possibility of them snapping.

The "check glow plugs" message could indicate a fault with the glow plug(s), wiring or relay. Before you dive in and replace the glow plugs, check which it is. There's a guide to testing glow plugs here: https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo-guides/151734-dealing-preheat-fault-message-stilo-jtd.html
.

Ive done the glow plugs on the 115bhp, and they are fiddly.
You WILL need some proper glow plug extraction tools and a deacent socket set.
Also you need to remove one of the fuel pipes to gain access to one of the plugs (pulley side last one if memory serves.
The plugs are very tight, to release them tighten them up slighly then gently undo the plugs. you will need a good socket set not some old loose ratchet so you can feel if it binds.
Draper 46858 6-Piece Flexi Glow Plug Socket Set: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

that was the set i purchased, you will also do well with a flexible socket extender. I think it was the 9mm tool (it was 2 years ago now so sorry for not being more accurate with the sizes).

Do one at a time, dont just remove all of them as you could easily end up with bolts etc going down the hole then its head off...
When replacing the plugs i used copper slip on the threads (DONT OVER TIGHTEN), the plugs are very thin and this may stop the plugs from being broken if changed again in the future, or not so distant future if you get a dud plug.

Just take your time, dont try to rush, its very fiddly but do able.

thanks for the tips guys, exactly what I needed!


Mine is the 115BHP, I believe the EGR needs moving also? Ill check your guide, Davren, thanks for that. If I feel its too much (MOT is due very soon) ill just get the garage to do it and hope its not too much labour!