Just wondering if glowplugs are standardized. I mean that if you can use like a SC-plug on an OS-engine, and vice versa. Asking because im buying an OS engine soon, but my local dealer dont have OS engines. I guess you need new plugs somewhat often, and it would be nice if i could get that from my local dealer instead of via slow mail-order.

There are basically two different glowplugs. Short and long. There are variations in these types for specific engines; with or without idle bar, 4-stroke, different heat ranges, etc. Most Sport type 2 stroke engines use a standard long idle bar glow plug. Your engine's instructions will state what length plug it requires. Then you try the plugs you have available of that type to see if they work good in it. Godd luck!

Just the answer i was hoping for. Thankz. [8D]

To Start,

there are short and long plugs. Short plugs are PRIMARILY used in .25 and smaller engines. Long plugs are PRIMARILY used in .25 and larger engines.

Next there are regular and "idle bar" plugs. Idle bar plugs are RARELY used these days. They were designed for the older engines that had a "raised wedge" in the top of the piston for fuel/exhaust input/removal. The FEW instances where an idle bar plug MAY be used these days, is with an inverted mounted engine.

Now we come to the fun part - heat ranges. They have cold, hot and everything in between. SOME examples are an OS A3 plug is a hot plug, while an OS#8 is a cold plug. The heat range of the plug you use is dependant on a number of things. The primary item is the percentage of nitro in your fuel. Other factors such as altitude, temperature, size of prop/type of flying also influence the heat range.

The last "monkey wrench" in this mess is 4 stroke engines. They NORMALLY require a long plug equivelant to an OS "F" type plug.

To answer your question-
Check the instructions and see what plug is recommended for the engine you are buying and get a comparable heat range. Your LHS should be able to tell you which of his brand of plugs is comparable.

FWIW, MOST 2 stroke OS engines, .25 and larger USUALLY use an OS#8 plug (cold plug) with 5% - 15% nitro for sport flying.

Plug life and quality vary, so get some spares AND in different brands also. I have had plugs last 2 seasons, and I have had them go after a half dozen flights. I have had my best results with OS, Enya and McCoy brand plugs.

This is probably more info than what you wanted, but I hope it answered your question.

Getting an OS MAX .46 AX ABL. It includes an #A3 plug. Found a nice chart over OS plugs.



I guess then that the plugs i need are long onces. Ill ask my LHS the next time i drop by for more CA glue .

Hey brsseb,

I know this may start a debate... But I would stick with OS plugs paying
the little extra for them!! My ex trainer and other club members say there
is little difference.. But I tried a tower plug when I broke-in my LA-46 and
two failed.. Luck of the draw?? Who knows. But I replaced with an O.S. A-3
and it's still in the engine today after about 7-8 gals. of fuel ran through it.

I too have usually used OS plugs. A3's, #8's and "F" type. They last forever.
Dennis-