Originally posted by halb0971
Correct, there is a catalytic reaction between the alcohol in the fuel and the platinum (i think) in the coil that keeps it hot while the engine is running. If you "loose" your plug, your engine stops running.
Sean
Actually, the metal coil in the glow plug absorbs some of the heat when the combustion takes place in the engine.
In order for our hobby fuel to combust, you need air, fuel, compression, and heat (supplied by the glow plug). When starting the engine, you preheat the glow plug by running current through it. When the engine fires, the heat from combustion also heats the glow plug (and keeps it hot enough for the fuel to burn next cycle).