Diesel engines operate differently from their gasoline counterparts. If the ambient temperature is below a certain point, diesel fuel can start to gel, making it difficult to start the vehicle. To combat this, the 6.0l diesel engine in a Ford E-350 van uses glow plugs in each cylinder to heat up the fuel before the van is started. When one of these glow plugs goes out, the engine won't be able to start in cold conditions. You can replace the plug in under 15 minutes, but first you have to remove the old one.
Pop the hood. Unbolt the motor cover from the top of the engine using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift off the cover and reveal the glow plugs on the engine.
Unclip the wiring harness from the glow plug you want to remove, using your hands. If necessary, use a small-blade flathead screwdriver to pry off the clip.
Unbolt the glow plug from the engine using the 3/8-inch ratchet and a deep-well socket.
Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for the remaining glow plugs that you want to remove.
