Do Glow plugs need some sort of pwer source?
06-03-2003, 05:58 PM
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Do Glow plugs need some sort of pwer source?
I wasn't able to find any answer on this in any of my manuals, and it really rather troubles me. Do glow plugs need some sort of power sorce to heat up, or do you just screw it in, and you're good to go? Do you need any other attachments to it for it to work? Is all you really do, screw the glow plug into the top of the piston, and you are all set? Thanks a bunch.
06-03-2003, 06:07 PM
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Do Glow plugs need some sort of pwer source?
Yes, there are glow plug starters that you hook on to start the engine and once it is running you take them off and the heat from the combustion in the chamber keeps the engine running. Below is a link to a place you can buy one or check them out.
http://www.towerhobbies.com/listings/cat-cat-p.html
http://www.towerhobbies.com/listings/cat-cat-p.html
06-03-2003, 06:25 PM
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Do Glow plugs need some sort of pwer source?
Quote
<hr>Originally posted by: DB Cooper
...hook on to start the engine and once it is running you take them off...<hr>
Of course, once in a while you'll see someone taxi out to the runway before remembering to take it off. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]
06-03-2003, 09:16 PM
#4
Do Glow plugs need some sort of pwer source?
Before the engine can start the plug has to be made to glow somewhere between a dull red and an orange heat. This is done by connecting it to a battery that puts out about 1.5 volts. There are a number of ways to do this ranging from a self contained unit that clips straight onto the plug up to large 12 volt batteries that cut the voltage down to 1.5 volts or so and uses a long length of wire with a clip at the end that goes onto the plug. It's very rare to see someone taxi out to the runway with these still attached [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
Once the engine is running the battery is disconnected and the plug stays glowing hot because there's a chemical reaction (catalytic) between the coil and the methanol in the fuel. It's not a good idea to leave the battery connected with the engine at full throttle because then the coil can overheat and burn out (chemical reaction + battery heat).
Once the engine is running the battery is disconnected and the plug stays glowing hot because there's a chemical reaction (catalytic) between the coil and the methanol in the fuel. It's not a good idea to leave the battery connected with the engine at full throttle because then the coil can overheat and burn out (chemical reaction + battery heat).
06-05-2003, 07:13 PM
#5
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Do Glow plugs need some sort of pwer source?
Dave, I've been in your shoes and I really needed some hands-on help. If you go to the Academy of Model Aeronautics website, www.modelaircraft.org, you can find distict VIII and find a list of LA clubs with club contacts. Best thing for you to do is find the nearest one and go ask for help. Boy, I wish I could have done that!
Good luck to you.
Jim
Good luck to you.
Jim
