One of the amazing pieces of engineering is the glow plug. It is a motion machine that is perpetual. Only fuel is essential for the radio controlled cars to run. With only fuel in its tank, it can even run without spark plugs or electrical ignition.

Understanding the principle behind working of glow plug is very important. Choosing the correct plug is not a tough task.  Actually, these glow plugs are not perpetual motion machines. It requires some 1.5v battery to initiate the glow. Once initiated, it will continue to glow till the engine runs.

Turbo or standard

The plug that works only in the turbo engine is called turbo plug. They do not have the scale fans to blow air into the engine. To create a firm fitting to the engine head, the plug is narrowed at the end. As a result, there is a slight increase in the power.  Turbo plugs are not suitable to be used in standard engines. Only standard plugs are suited.

Temperature rating of the glow plug

It is important to choose the glow plug with the right temperature to suit our engine. If the engine is short of heat, hotter plugs will function better. If the engine radiates a lot of heat, cooler plug is essential. To start the engine, hotter plugs are more convenient. During the run, colder plugs will give a better performance compared to hotter ones.

Performance of glow plugs will be influenced from anything between air temperatures to the height of sea level.  So there is nothing like a wrong or right setup.

Quality over quantity

Whenever we buy a glow plug that is remote controlled, it is always advisable to get glow plugs that are expensive.  This is because it will have a stable tune and heat. It also works longer than cheaper plugs. So rather than getting cheaper plugs often, it is better if we spend only once and get an expensive one.

Nitro car

Reading your glow plug

By inspecting the glow plug, it is easier to find how close we are to a perfect tune. The methods of finding this are simple. If there is a plenty of oil present in the head, it means they are running rich. If the color of glow plug is grey and if there is a small amount of oil, we are spot on with our tune. If the filament of glow plug is bent and if it has very little oil present in it, it is necessary to richen the mixture.

Some general points about glow plugs

• Fragile filaments should not be touched as it can break the filament and spoil the plug.
• Good glow plugs should only be used as it protects the engine better.
• Glow plugs should not be kept in a damp place.  Cool and dry place is suitable for it.
• Selecting the right glow plug is important.
• It is also important to keep the engine in tune.
• It is also not advisable to tighten the plug too much.
• If nitro detonation occurs, it means we are using the wrong plug. Also, the tune may not be rightly set.
• A proper glow starter has to be used.
• It is better to consult other racers for help.