Anyone have any idea what may have caused this? This is a backup Tower Hobbies "Tower Power" Long Rechargable 1600 Mah glow starter that I got while purchasing something else and the rep asked if I needed one cuz they were on sale, so I figured since it was cheap Id pick it up for a backup. Anyway, I've only had it maybe 2 months and have only charged it once. I used it one day, and eventually it went dead so I put it in my pitbox, and thats where it sat since (Sat while it was completely dead). Then today, I was rumaging threw my box and found this. Sorry about the crappy picks but I noticed a wire going from the top to the shaft part that is competely black and fried, and split the rubber caseing and even melted a plastic bag it was sitting on (Luckily it didnt burn the house down, otherwise it would be Andys Hobbies instead of Tower hobbies..lol..) The only thing in the drawer where this glow starter was, was the glow starter, some empty baggies, and some zip ties. Any ideas??
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Exploded Glow Ignitor
- Thread starter 4u2nv
- Start date
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jasper830
RCTalk Basher
The only thing I can say is that the battery had a meltdown :nuke: . I would contact Tower Hobbies and let them know what happen. They may have a recall on them or something.
racin_38
Hardcore RCTalk User
maybe it grounded out on the inside of the tube or something ,
but i would be getting ahold of tower and bitch'in to say the least
glad it was just the igniter and not anything else ,
take care
rick
but i would be getting ahold of tower and bitch'in to say the least
glad it was just the igniter and not anything else ,
take care
rick
- Thread starter
- #4
I emailed Tower a little bit ago, and sent them some pictures and also some pictures of the melted baggy from inside my pitbox and the nice burnt black spot the size of a baseball in my pit box, so we'll see what they have to say.
HeartBreak
RCTalk VIP
I was about to say either a short against the head of the engine (unlikely), or the gauge frying out (99% likely). I've got one like that by Dynamite. Works just fine. Got it when I got my first nitro, almost 5 years ago.
I'd definately see what Tower has to say. Generally, they're pretty good about returns. They took my OS VZ-RII back that had a cracked piston (defective).
I'd definately see what Tower has to say. Generally, they're pretty good about returns. They took my OS VZ-RII back that had a cracked piston (defective).
I'll chime in as a third. I bought one of those about 5 years ago when I got my first nitro. I had charged it up one day. Let it rest for a minute and then went outside to play. I started my GT and put the ignitor in my front pocket. I was driving my car for a bit when I noticed my leg was warm and there was smoke coming from my pocket. I immediately pulled the ignitor out and it had done the same thing. And it was freaking hot!! I just sent it back and they sent me a brand new one.
- Thread starter
- #9
Well thats nice they been burning up for 5 years now and they still havnt fixed the problem. Its not really a big deal since its my back up one (Its a twist style and I run odonell plugs, so I have to hold it on there to work). I'm more pissed about the big burnt spot in my new pit box. And its just the whole purpose of only charging it up once, and the thing starts on fire and splits open.
HeartBreak
RCTalk VIP
Maybe you charged it at too high of a rate?
- Thread starter
- #12
Well I've been going back and forth with Tower on this. 1st they told me that theyd replace it, and (not being a dink) I told them that I heard this isnt unusually for these glow ignitors and that I really dont want another one. I figured I was lucky it just burnt a spot in my pit box and not my whole house. So I asked if I could get a different one, and Id be more than willing to pay the differance if need. Then I got a reply back today that he said hed send me a Hobbico Long Hot Shot 2 glow starter instead. So they were actually really helpful. just thought id share
That is an excellent ignitor. The Hibbico "hot shot" is what's needed, especially if using a turbo plug. Turbo plugs need a bit more juice. I found out the hard way during a race.4u2nv said:
I changed the plug, wouldn't start. Kept trying and trying ... had to call a minute grace. Borrowed someone "hot shot" and it started right up! Never turned back after getting one. The regular ones are fine but you may want to replace the subC if you are able to replace it.
see if you can get the big Hot shot.....I think I charge mine once and it's good for 2 days of hard track time.....I have a smaller one as well just in case it runs out......
- Thread starter
- #17
The tower one? Watch out for em, and when ya store them away, make sure theres nothing in the same draw that will light up. I was lucky. I should snap a pick of the ring it left in my pitbox thats all black and crispy. They said if it was a pit box they carried they would have replaced the drawer, but since its not one they carried they would just upgrade my ignitor. O well.
I tell ya, after Plaid's last post, I am now convinced, more than ever, that the man has a phallic fetish. I submit these direct quotes as examples:
"get the big Hot shot"
" have a smaller one as well"
Dr. Phil, paging Dr. Phil"
"get the big Hot shot"
" have a smaller one as well"
Dr. Phil, paging Dr. Phil"
