Glow Plug?

[aaron030886]

I'm a newbie to Nitro Rc, and I was reading my instruction manual today about my truck, and it said something about the glow plug. I don't even know what it is or where it is at. It didn't say in the instruction manual either. I know it has something to do with starting it right? lol it was pretty frustrating reading the instruction manual while they were talking about things I was unfamiliar with..:\

 

[Cupooterluvr]

The glow plug is situated in the middle of the top of the engine and essentially functions as a sparkless spark plug. When you start the engine, you heat the plug with a glow igniter (example) and after the engine is running, the plug holds heat in order to keep the cycle going. Glow engines are basically small diesels in that they run by compression and heat alone.

 

[aaron030886]

The glow plug is situated in the middle of the top of the engine and essentially functions as a sparkless spark plug. When you start the engine, you heat the plug with a glow igniter (example) and after the engine is running, the plug holds heat in order to keep the cycle going. Glow engines are basically small diesels in that they run by compression and heat alone.

Thanks!

 

[MrClean]

Look at the engine cooling head (the big thing with the fins on top of your engine) down inside that 'hole' in the top of it, is a silver thing, that is your glow plug. It acts as your 'spark plug' for the motor. Not only does it start your motor, it also keeps it running. It ignites the fuel/air mixture.


Cupooterluvr beat me too it

 

[aaron030886]

Look at the engine cooling head (the big thing with the fins on top of your engine) down inside that 'hole' in the top of it, is a silver thing, that is your glow plug. It acts as your 'spark plug' for the motor. Not only does it start your motor, it also keeps it running. It ignites the fuel/air mixture.


Cupooterluvr beat me too it

lol that's ok. The more imformation, the better!

 

[camaropunk16]

Just to add a few things about glow plugs. It is always good to have at least one spare glow plug in your tool kit. IMO, you should also change the glow plug after the break in period of the engine.

 

[aaron030886]

How do you change the glow plug? That's inside the engine right?

 

[MrClean]

It's accessable through the opening in the cooling head. Can't remember what size nut driver I use, but I keep it in my tool box with my other RC tools.

I read a few of your other posts. Did you buy your nitro rig from a local hobby store? The reason I'm asking, and I'm not trying to be a jerk or imply anything, but your knowledge of nitro's seems very limited. That's ok, because we all started out like that at some point. If you got it from a decent hobby shop, I would suggest taking it to them and having them go over the basics with you. That way you know what is what and how it functions. I know the anticipation you're feeling, wanting to get out there and get it broken in and running. But if you don't know at least the basics, your experience with nitro's may be very frustrating and short-lived. Good hobby shops will even help you break-in your engine and help you tune it. These can be very frustrating processes for anyone new to nitros (and I'm speaking from my own experience) but can make or break the life of your engine. I woulnd't recommend having them do it for you, instead, see if they will show you what to look for when tuning and how to properly break-in your engine. Read as much as you can here and on the makers website about your truck/car. The more knowledge you have, the better your experience will be. Again, I'm not trying to be rude or demeaning, I'm trying to help ensure you enjoy your new 'toy'. Ask as many questions here that you need to, the 'Search' function will also help answer a lot of questions too. Good luck and let us know if you need anything.

 

[aaron030886]

I bought it brand new on Ebay. Yeah and I don't know anything about it. I just wanted a faster RC.

 

[camaropunk16]

Here is a link to a tool specificaly for changing out the glow plug:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSZZ2&P=0


The long end is the one that you will use to change the glow plug. Hope this helps.

Here is a link to some Hobby shops that may be in your area (no sure if this is correct but you can check it out). You may want to try stopping by one and asking some questions. They should have tools and stuff like that for your rig. Do not know much about your rig though, they may not have much in the way of replacement parts for it. They should have glow plugs that will work in it though, and they should also have fuel for it if/when you need it. You can always post your questions here as well. I have found better info on this site on some issues than at my LHS.


http://www.yellowpages.com/Evansville-IN/Hobby-Model-Shops?search_terms=Hobby+shops

 

[Mattyfats420]

yeah if you got to any hobby shop they should have all the tools you will need to fix, replace or install any piece or after market piece you can buy. Including the GLOW PLUG =] i know mine has a little piece of rubber in there like a spark plug socket you use on a 1:1 car. so it doesn't fall so you can't grab it with the glow plug tool. also in my tool kit is a nice thin set of LONG needle nose pliers so if i do drop something where i can't reach it. at least i have a tool that can =]

 

[aaron030886]

Thanks! I would hope the hobby shops here would be of some help. I do know they have the fuel that I need. I will have to go in there tomarrow and ask them.

 

[camaropunk16]

i know mine has a little piece of rubber in there like a spark plug socket you use on a 1:1 car. so it doesn't fall so you can't grab it with the glow plug tool.

Do you mean that your glow plug tool has a rubber boot in it like a spark plug socket so it grabs the glow plug and keeps it from falling out of the tool? That would be freakin awesome to have in the tool kit.

If so, what kind is it? I might want to order one.

 

[Glass Bullet]

^ I saw a video on youtube about that. It said you can cut some fuel tubing and use shoe goo to attach it to the inside of the tool.

 

[camaropunk16]

^ I saw a video on youtube about that. It said you can cut some fuel tubing and use shoe goo to attach it to the inside of the tool.

Thanks for the tip!