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Glow plug current draw.... - 5/6/2004 12:39:05 PM   
Zpat



Posts: 558
Joined: 11/9/2002
From: Lima, OH,
Status: offline 		Can anyone tell me the current draw of a glow plug would be? I'm using 2 4000 mah "D" cells as a glow driver and was just curious as to the draw of a #8 O.S. or a O.S. 4 cycle plug.
Thanks,
Pat


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RE: Glow plug current draw.... - 5/6/2004 3:13:09 PM   
Rodney



Posts: 4890
Joined: 12/8/2001
From: FL
Status: online 		Different brands vary on current draw, usually 1.5 to 2 amperes with a decrease in current as the motor heats up while running.

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RE: Glow plug current draw.... - 5/6/2004 3:17:14 PM   
Hobbsy



Posts: 10844
Joined: 12/2/2001
From: Colonial Beach, VA, USA
Status: offline 		It varies with the throttle and mixture settings, at idle when the glow plug is cooler current flow will be greater, at full throttle when the glow plug is hotter the current flow will be less, if your running it too rich then it is greater again.

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RE: Glow plug current draw.... - 5/6/2004 3:20:03 PM   
Zpat



Posts: 558
Joined: 11/9/2002
From: Lima, OH,
Status: offline 		Thanks for the info Rodney.

So I can expect at least 2 hours of glow plug energizing from a 4000 mah battery?


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RE: Glow plug current draw.... - 5/6/2004 3:37:16 PM   
ED STEFAN


 

Posts: 1262
Joined: 11/12/2002
From: BONAIRE, GA, USA
Status: offline 		I have not compiled accumalative time igniter is actually on the glow plug, but my 4000 mah battery has lasted through 6 weekends of flying on a single charge, and is still going strong. Brings up a good thought though; maybe I'll count the number of times I use the glo-starter before a full charge gives it up. This might take a while.

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RE: Glow plug current draw.... - 5/6/2004 4:26:51 PM   
Zpat



Posts: 558
Joined: 11/9/2002
From: Lima, OH,
Status: offline 		The reason I ask is that it takes me awhile to start an ABC engine with my trusty chicken stick. It seems I have to flip the engine a number of times to get it to warm up just to fire. I'm limited to 5% nitro fuel because of the engine design. The temperature has been in the 40's and 50's. After it does fire (usually running in reverse direction) I have to throttle it to get it running in the right direction. I flip the prop backwards but it doesn't make any difference which way I flip it it starts backwards.
After getting it to run in the right direction I leave the plug energized until the engine cleans itself out and is warm enough to get a fair transition.
I'd say this routine is about 5 or more minutes long for each flight, depending on the temperature. I hope as it warms up the starting procedure will be shortened.
I was wondering if my battery pack needed to be replaced but it sounds like it's doing all it can.

Thanks for the info.


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RE: Glow plug current draw.... - 5/6/2004 6:18:35 PM   
Sport_Pilot



Posts: 7828
Joined: 1/21/2002
From: Acworth, GA, USA
Status: offline 		If the engine is starting backwards, then that is a sure sign you are over priming the engine. I don't have any trouble starting engines in 40 degree weather. But if you do you could put a few ounces of gas in your fuel to help.

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RE: Glow plug current draw.... - 5/6/2004 8:56:05 PM   
William Robison



Posts: 20269
Joined: 11/10/2002
From: Mary Esther, Florida, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Zee:

Usually, the cold current on a plow plug is about 4 Amps. When the engine starts the higher temperature raises the coil resistance, and the current goes down.

Bill.

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RE: Glow plug current draw.... - 5/6/2004 9:13:22 PM   
jaka


 

Posts: 4637
Joined: 12/11/2001
From: Upplands Vasby, SWEDEN
Status: online 		Hi!
The problem you have could partly be the 1,2v that you get from the D-pack.This voltage could be a bit marginal ....1,5-2v is better.
It is much better to use a big lead accid battery on 12V and 10-12A and a automatic glowdiver (panel or separate glowdriver) that pulses the current to the plug.
What you should look for is a glowplug that glows orange...not dull red!

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

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RE: Glow plug current draw.... - 5/7/2004 4:32:17 AM   
downunder



Posts: 3271
Joined: 10/10/2002
From: Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		I'm with jaka on that one. Before I put a plug in I always turn the panel all the way down then connect the plug. Then slowly wind up the control until the plug glows somewhere between bright red to dull orange and check the needle position on the panel. This setting can vary widely between different plugs depending on brand and heat range.

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       Post #: 10

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