Hi
I have a 2.3 multijet with 294,000 on it and it still goes like a train. I am now having spluttering in the mornings on start up and know this is the glow plugs. The problem I have is that I have been told that the plugs can snap off when removing ,is this right? I could have a go myself but dont want to end up stranded with a broken plug, will it still run if it snaps off to drive it to a garage.I live outside of Bristol and there is a engine reconditioning place that apparently has the kit to deal with this if it happens.
Big suggestions please and what do you think it will cost if they do have to be drilled?
Thanks

Yes more than likely they will snap, I would have it checked first to make sure it is glow plugs and not a bad earth or something else,
Apparently they can start with dud glow plugs

My 3.0 has had 2 plugs go but in first year, and one of them snapped, thankfully the dealer managed to get it all out, the other one was replaced as a caution along with timer and turbo due to water ingress

Lots of Ducato's do not even have glow plugs because the camper manufacturer ordered them that way. I thought mine didn't have glow plugs because the warning light never comes on for more than a second when I turn the key, even in the morning with some frost on the grass. It is a bit reluctant to start at the 1th attempt then.

But in the Austrian alps the light stays on for 5-10 seconds and the van starts like in summer.
So yes, there are glow plugs and no, you don't need them unless it is freezing cold.

Should start fine without glowplugs down to well below zero spluttering could be lots of things with your high miles. Secret to doing glowplugs is good penetrating oil applied several times over the course of a few days then get the engine nice and hot. Use a 1/4" ratchet and deep socket so you can get a better feel of the torque you're applying. Even then they can break.

Ok,my heater light also flashes for about a minute whilst driving from cold. Does this point towards the problem? I started and drove it this morning and its about -2 , spluttered and left a white cloud and then went on all four in about 20 seconds,the heater light flashes on and off for about 1 minute and it has been fine since.

The flashing light means the glow plug current is low, so one or more plugs are toast or have a bad contact.

Thank you, I will get them checked out