Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

Anybody ever had a bad "brand new" glow plug starter. I was all ready to start my engine for the first time tonight, engine primed, and then presto: nothing.

I noticed that the glow plug starter didn't get warm, nor was the glow plug itself. Shoudn't this be the case. So then I tried a rapid (20 minute) charge from my field charger, and still, no heat from the glow plug starter.

Now I'm concerned that I have fuel in the engine, and no way to burn it out (at least for a few days, if not a week).

Any ideas?!

thanks!

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

I never burn the fuel out. There is enough oil in it that it keeps the engine lubed. If I store it for a long time, I fill it with marvel mystery oil. Never had an engine go bad. The old fliers here all do it that way. The new ones lube the heck out of them and run them dry. It heats the bearings. The new guys put in a lot of bearings. The old guys don't.

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

Well I feel better in regards to fuel in my engine for a few days/week. What about the simpler issue: shouldn't my glow plug starter have turned orange at the tip/got warm?

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

Did you try another plug or a buddy's glow starter?

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

Not yet Mike, I'm home alone in my garage, surrounded by 2 feet of snow. I'd run out to Creek Hobbies, but they are about 20 miles away! (looks like I'll be heading out there anyway)

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

It's probably a bad plug...some storm wasan't it???

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

You said it "didnt get warm"??
Did you remove the plug and install it in the starter? It should glow if its working.

How did you get the fuel in the tank? Should be able to turn the crank in the opposite direction to remove it or reverse the swithch on an electric pump.

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

How often do you see a bad plug in a brand new ARF (Hobbico Superstar)? I can't believe I have to put a new glow plug in a new plane.

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

I'm not really worried about fuel in the tank, just that the engine was primed, and now the fuel is going to sit there.

You said I should try unscrewing the plug, and put it in the glow plug starter? If nothing happens (i.e. plug doesn't glow), how will I know if it is the starter or the plug itself?

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

yours came with a glow plug???every motor i've every bought came with no plug.

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

Check your starter with a voltmeter. If you're getting 1.2 volts or better and the plug,(out of the engine), doesn't get orange when it's in the starter then the plug is bad.

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

Well, if you dont have any other plugs, I guess thats a problem, however, if it does glow, youll know theres nothing wrong with either.

Hmmm..
 

If I may add and re-iterate here are some simple steps to isolate the problem

• Remove the plug, install into the heater/charger. Does it glow?
o If so, your engine might be flooded.
 If so, open the throttle and turn the plane upside down.
 Flip the prop and let that fuel pour out.
• If the plug does not glow, check the voltage of your heater/charger.
o Doesn’t matter if you get 1.2 volts as there is no current draw and you could be low on overall amperage.
o Charge it for about ½ hour. Won’t hurt it if it’s already fully charged.
• If you have a VOM (Volt Ohm Meter), check the resistance of the plug. Do you get a closed circuit reading?
o If you don’t have a VOM, get yourself a battery, a bulb, and some alligator clips (or wire).
o Run one from the battery positive to the bulb base, bulb nipple to the plug tip and battery negative to the plug base. (see pic)

It should light, if not, you have a bad plug. Just make sure you have enough power for the bulb. Easy way to test, don't add the plug into the equation, and don't exceed 3 volts!

Re: Hmmm..
 

KEVLAR, YOU ARE SOMETHING ELSE. Thanks for addressing my problem as if it was your own. I'll let you all know how things turn out in the morning.

Paul

Bad Glow Plug Starter? Can't start engine
 

Thanks everyone for your imput. This Forum is truly great, no big egos like some other forums.

Anyway, the glow plug was good, as was the glow starter. The problem was simply a 20 degree night plus a new engine, combined with (mildly) inadequate priming (plus a half-full fuel tank, which may or may not have contributed to my starting difficulties)