If you have been scouring the internet for the best glow plugs for your engine, then you already know how difficult it can be to find one that works for you.
With all the different brands and models out there all claiming to be the best option for your diesel engine, it can be tough to know who to trust to give you the quality that you want in a product.
So, we are here to help. We have chosen the best glow plugs and relay for 6.0 and 7.3 powerstroke picks available on the market to help you narrow down your options and make finding the right glow plugs for your engine that much easier.
Although all of the options on this list are great choices for your diesel engine vehicle, there is one that stands out above the rest. That is why our top pick is the OEM Ford Motorcraft glow plugs set.
With its regulating and heating coils and its high customer satisfaction, this option is the best of the best for many reasons.
- E. spec connector
- Regulating and heating coils
- Corrosion resistant
- Conical seat with positive seal
- Positive customer reviews
With all the great features that come with this product, it can pretty much do everything. The only thing that these glow plugs can’t do is purchase and install themselves for you.
Glow Plugs and Relay for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke Comparison Chart
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Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 1.1 inches | 9.3 x 5.5 x 3.1 inches | 5.2 x 4 x 0.9 inches | n/a |
Features | E. Spec Connector | Duraterm Technology | O.E. Spec Connectors | Lightweight |
Weight | 10.2 ounces | 0.64 ounces | 12 ounces | 1 pounds |
Warranty | 2 Years | All Parts Guaranteed | 1 Year | 2 Years |
4 Best Glow Plugs and Relay for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke (as of February, 2025):
1. Ford / Motorcraft ZD-11 Glow Plug for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke – Best Glow Plugs For 7.3 Powerstroke Review
These Ford / Motorcraft ZD-11 glow plugs are made for Ford models between 1995 and 2003 and can help heat your engine so that you don’t have to sit and wait for your truck to warm up by itself.
For those who want a little extra heating power, these glow plugs are a great option.
Lightweight
These glow plugs are compact and won’t take up a lot of space in your engine compartment. They are also lightweight so they won’t weigh down your truck.
Set of 8
These glow plugs come in a set that includes 8 plugs so that you are able to hook up all eight cylinders at a time to get even more heating power.
Or, if you don’t need all of them because you just need one or two for a replacement, you can choose to save them for when another one dies out.
Made For Turbo Diesel
These glow plugs are designed for Ford 7.3L Super Duty Powerstroke Turbo Diesel engines and are rugged enough to handle the biggest engines for a better start-up in even the coldest winter months of the year.
Main Features
- Set of 8 Brand New Genuine Motorcraft ZD11 ZD-11 Glow Plugs F4TZ-12A342-BA
- E. spec connector
- Regulating and heating coils
- Conical seat with positive seal
- Heats up quickly
- Corrosion resistant
- Lightweight and compact, under 11 ounces
- Made for Ford 7.3L Super Duty Powerstroke Turbo Diesel Glow
- Compatible with Ford models between 1995 and 2003
- Lightweight and compact, under 11 ounces
- Comes in a set of 8 for extra options
- Made for turbo diesel engines
- Heats up quickly
- May not come as advertised, customer concern about brand reliability
- Durability is in question due to customer reviews
2. Bosch Automotive 80028 Glow Plug for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke – Best Alternative Glow Plugs Review
Bosch Automotive 80028 glow plugs are great options for those who are looking for the fastest warm-up times around.
The patented Duraterm technology and the Twin Viton seal allows you to get the best quality glow plug with a brand that you can trust.
Duraterm Technology
Nickel-Plated Roll Threads
This option’s nickel-plated roll threads help the engine prevent seizing, but it also increases overall strength so that you don’t have to worry about the plugs coming loose. This also allows them to last longer under heavy use.
Twin Viton Seals
These powerful seals help give these glow plugs a longer life by protecting the coils against any kind of damage that occurs because of exhaust gases. These seals keep your plugs lasting a longer time and ensure that they don’t sustain major damage.
Changing Plugs
It should be noted that when one glow plug goes out, it is likely that the other that you are using will die out as well. So, it is recommended to change all the glow plugs out at the same time and mot wait until each one dies out individually.
Main Features
- Bosch patented Duraterm technology enables the glow plug to reach higher temperatures more quickly for fast engine start-up
- Nickel-plated rolled threads for increased strength and prevent seizure
- Twin Viton seals Promote longer life by protecting the coils against damage caused by exhaust gases
- Resistant to damage
- Fast/Quick Start
- Metal Sheath Type
- Pre-Heating Time:4.0
- Material Type: Inconel
- Product Length: 3.622047 in
- Actual OE part
- Duraterm technology for faster heat-up times
- Nickel-plated roll threads for seizing prevention
- Twin Viton seals for longer life and coil protection
- Resistant to damage
- Recommended to change all plugs at one time, not individually
- Brand reliability is in question due to customers receiving wrong brand items
- In extreme temperatures, they may not work as well
3. Ford / Motorcraft ZD-13 Glow Plug for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke – Best Glow Plugs For 6.0 Powerstroke Review
Ford / Motorcraft ZD-13 glow plugs are our top pick for a reason.
These plugs come in a set of 8 so that you get more for your money, and with the O.E. spec connectors and the regulating and heating coils, these plugs give you the best heating times that you could ask for.
O.E. Spec Connectors
These O.E spec connectors are made to fit perfectly so that you get a precise fit that makes for the easiest possible installation.
Regulating and Heating Coils
These specially designed regulating and heating coils allow for a faster heat-up of the glow tubes so that you get the best startup times even in the coldest weather. These glow plugs retain and regulate heat better than any others.
Corrosion Resistant
Conical Seat
This style of the conical seat ensures that there is a positive seal with the combustion chamber so that the glow plugs won’t move an inch even when you’re driving.
Warranty
These glow plugs also come with a 1-year warranty manufacturer warranty that covers anything that could happen to your plugs within that time.
Main Features
- O.E. spec connectors ensure precise fit and easy installation
- Regulating and heating coils designed for fast heat-up of the glow tube
- Glow tube resists corrosion and vibration for long service life
- Conical seat ensures a positive seal with the combustion chamber
- 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
- E. spec connector for a precise fit and easy installation
- Regulating and heating coils for faster heating times
- Glow plugs are corrosion-resistant
- Vibration-resistant
- Conical seat for a positive seal
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- May cause code error when plug goes out
- Long-term reliability is in question due to low customer reviews
4. Ford / Motorcraft DY-861 – Best Glow Plug Relay Review
This Ford / Motorcraft DY-861 glow plug relay module has a large capacity to work with a high number of vehicles and makes this option a great choice for those looking for versatility.
The control unit can be used to control the glow plugs and keep your engine heated up nicely.
Lightweight
Trusted Brand
This part is made from one of the USA’s most trusted car companies, so you can feel safe knowing that you are getting the highest quality product possible backed by a company that has earned its customer’s trust over the years.
24-Month Warranty
Like most Ford company products, this control unit is covered by Ford’s 24-month warranty that will cover all malfunctions and issues with the product so that you can keep using the product that you purchased without issue.
Main Features
- Ford F250 F350 Super Duty 7.3 Diesel Glow Plug Relay Module OEM Motorcraft DY861
- Lightweight, only one pound
- Controls glow plugs to get faster heating times
- Part number F81Z-12B533-AC, F81Z12B533AC, F81Z 12B533 AC
- They’re designed to fit Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars, trucks and SUVs
- Most Motorcraft and Ford Parts are covered for 24 months/unlimited miles
- Lightweight, only one pound, and compact in size
- Made from a trusted brand for high quality guaranteed
- Comes with a 24-month warranty for added protection
- Controls glow plugs to get faster heating times
- Durability is in question due to low customer reviews
- Has a higher price point than other options
Buyer’s Guide
With all the great options on this list, you are sure to find something that works for your vehicle’s engine so that you can get the best heating times and startups possible.
However, with all this information about these products, you may have some questions about the products.
So, we have taken the time to search for the most common questions that consumers have had about glow plugs and found answers. So, here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
What does a glow plug do?
The main use of a glow plug in an engine is to help the diesel engine heat up faster when starting up. These are used especially during the wintertime because the colder temperatures can make your engine more difficult to start, and heat up quickly.
With the help of glow plugs, the engine can start up faster, and heat up quickly so that you can get on the road without having to idle and wait for your engine to heat up on its own.
How many glow plugs does a 7.3 have?
For a 7.3, there is a single glow plug for every cylinder. There are eight cylinders in a 7.3, so, therefore, there are eight glow plugs needed for a 7.3. Many sets come with 8 in a pack, so finding that amount is not a hard feat.
How do you test a glow plug relay?
To test your glow plug relay, connect your test light across the two small terminals and activate the glow plugs by turning the ignition on.
If your test light comes on correctly, then the signal to the relay is fine. Now, you want to connect your test light’s clip to the engine ground.
With the ignition off, you need to touch each of the large terminals on the relay. One will cause the test light to light-up meaning that this terminal is now connected to the battery.
Then, turn the glow plugs on again. The other large terminal should now be getting full power.
What are the signs of bad glow plugs?
There are a few different signs that mean that your glow plugs are going bad. The first is the engine misfiring, or there being a decrease in acceleration. With the glow plugs not working correctly, your engine is not getting the heat is needs, so it could end up misfiring.
The second thing to look for is hard starting. Unlike gas engines that use a spark to ignite the fuel mixture, diesel engines have to rely solely on cylinder pressures to ignite the diesel fuel mixture.
If the glow plugs start to fail, then the engine will have to overcome added pressure in order to ignite the mixture, which will result in hard starting.
However, this could also be a sign of many different issues as well, so it is important for you to get the problem diagnosed by a professional before you make any adjustments yourself, to ensure that there is not a bigger problem.
Will a diesel start without glow plugs?
Yes, a diesel engine will start without the use of glow plugs. Diesel engines, in general, don’t require any starting aids.
However, in the colder months when you may have trouble starting a large engine and you will likely have to leave the engine on to warm up before use, then glow plugs can save you a lot of time and effort.
If you feel like your diesel engine is having trouble starting in the wintertime, then you may want to purchase glow plugs to ensure that your engine runs more smoothly in the cooler temperatures.
Starting the Kubota Diesel Without Glowplugs:
Will a diesel run with bad glow plugs?
The answer to whether you can drive a diesel at all with bad plugs, is yes. The vehicle will still drive; however, the efficiency and performance of the vehicle will suffer significantly.
As mentioned before, if you have bad glow plugs, the engine may begin to misfire. You will also have to deal with the problem of hard starting, which occurs when glow plugs go bad, and black smoke from the exhaust.
These things won’t cause the diesel to stop running, but they will significantly affect the performance of the vehicle. So, it is always recommended to replace the glow plugs when you see any signs of them going bad.
It is better to get ahead of the issue instead of having to constantly change out a single plug at a time. It could also affect your engine’s performance, even if only one plug has gone bad.
Can you test glow plugs without removing them?
Yes, you can test glow plugs without removing them. To do so, it is easiest to have 2 testers set for continuity/ohms/buzzer. Hook one lead of one tester to the outside of the glow plug controller. Pick a glow plug and pull the spade connector.
Touch the unused lead of the tester that is hooked to the glow plug controller to the connector you just pulled. This will tell you if the connection can get from the controller to that glow plug. Next, put one lead on the glow plug spade and the other to the ground.
The tester should read the same as if you touched the 2 leads together. If it doesn’t work right away, you may have to scratch the tester leads to get a good connection.
How to test Glow Plugs on diesel engine without removing them:
How to test 7.3 powerstroke glow plugs?
To test your glow plugs, you do the same steps as when you are testing the glow plug relay. To do this you connect your test light across the two small terminals and activate the glow plugs by turning the ignition on.
If your test light comes on correctly, then the signal to the relay is fine. Now, you want to connect your test light’s clip to the engine ground.
With the ignition off, you need to touch each of the large terminals on the relay. One will cause the test light to light-up meaning that this terminal is now connected to the battery.
Then, turn the glow plugs on again. The other large terminal should now be getting full power.
Ford 7.3 Diesel- GLOW PLUG SYS-TESTS:
What do you do when 7.3 powerstroke glow plugs are not working?
If your glow plugs are not working, then it is likely that they are bad and need to be replaced.
However, if you have been using your glow plugs but they are suddenly not working, then you will need to replace them. To do this, you will need to locate the glow plugs in the engine compartment and remove the current plugs.
Then, you will need to clean the electrical contact and nut to ensure that your new plugs will have a good connection.
Then, you will use a reamer and ream the glow plug hole for each plug to remove any unwanted build-up. You are now ready to replace the glow plugs and put on the new plugs and tighten then with a ratchet.
You will then be able to attach the electrical wires to each glow plug using a wrench and a nut.
How to replace Ford 7.3 Powerstroke Glow Plugs:
How To: Change Glow Plugs on Ford Powerstroke 7.3:
What is the cost of replacing a 7.3 glow plug?
The cost of replacing glow plugs can vary widely if you choose to get them replaced professionally. The cost can be around $1,000 with the cost of labor that is included, and that number can change depending on where you take your vehicle to get serviced.
Doing the work yourself with only cost a bit of your time, and about $100 or less for the price of the glow plugs themselves. So, if you are looking to save money, you should consider replacing the glow plugs yourself.
If you choose to go the DIY route, then you can go back to the answer above and follow those steps of replacing glow plugs to get the job done yourself without having any issues.
Conclusion
Looking for glow plugs for your diesel engine shouldn’t have to be a hassle, but with all the different options available, it can cause option overload for some consumers.
So, we have given you some of the best picks on the market so that you can get the glow plugs that you need for your diesel engine without having to do any more research.
Whether you have a 7.3 or a 6.0, you can find an option on this list that will work for your vehicle.
And, if you choose to do your own research and purchase an option that is not on this list, you now have all the information you need to make an informed decision so that you get faster heating times and a better starting experience even during the coldest time of year.
Contents
- Glow Plugs and Relay for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke Comparison Chart
- 4 Best Glow Plugs and Relay for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke (as of February, 2025):
- 1. Ford / Motorcraft ZD-11 Glow Plug for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke – Best Glow Plugs For 7.3 Powerstroke Review
- 2. Bosch Automotive 80028 Glow Plug for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke – Best Alternative Glow Plugs Review
- 3. Ford / Motorcraft ZD-13 Glow Plug for 6.0 and 7.3 PowerStroke – Best Glow Plugs For 6.0 Powerstroke Review
- 4. Ford / Motorcraft DY-861 – Best Glow Plug Relay Review
- Buyer’s Guide
- What does a glow plug do?
- How many glow plugs does a 7.3 have?
- How do you test a glow plug relay?
- What are the signs of bad glow plugs?
- Will a diesel start without glow plugs?
- Will a diesel run with bad glow plugs?
- Can you test glow plugs without removing them?
- How to test 7.3 powerstroke glow plugs?
- What do you do when 7.3 powerstroke glow plugs are not working?
- What is the cost of replacing a 7.3 glow plug?
- Conclusion