Testing Glow Plugs?

[Si Goodchild]

Guys,

I've got 2 or 3 glow plugs that I have previously removed when I've had engine troubles but which I kept because I wasn't sure that they were the source of the trouble. They aren't obviously corroded or broken or clogged in any way - they look pristine. At over £5 each I'm loathed to throw them out.

Is there a way to check them out that doesn't involve swapping them in to a heli engine? Should I do a continuity check or simply put my glow driver on them?

Any advice gratefully received.

Si

[mark_w]

Just connect them up and see if they glow

[Mart61]

Remember that old mnemonic:

"If they glow, they're good to go.
If it's no, in the bin they go!"



(Just made that up. Good eh?)

[Janek]

Just connect them to a charged glow driver, if the glow nice and bright, they are OK.

For a longer test, leave them connected for a while, then see how long you can hold the plug in a bare hand

[Tom Burgess]

Look closely to see if the coils are bright or dull. Brighter the better and when connected to a glow the glow should almost reach the end of the coil (nearest the piston when installed). If it doesn't, bin it

[GravityKills]

search for chunks of carbon or other debris on the filament. This can cause problems during flight.

[fudded]

Remember that old mnemonic:

"If they glow, they're good to go.
If it's no, in the bin they go!"



(Just made that up. Good eh?)

I dont think you should that to Rotorworld mate

Sean

[GravityKills]

I haven't had too much success with non-glowing glow plugs.
Not that I wouldn't keep on trying.

[Si Goodchild]

Hey - they all worked! That saved me a few quid!

[spunkmyer]

I have found if in doubt chuck it out... One plug that was causing problems for me only glowed on half the element in the bin it went... Rather spend £5 on a plug then ££££ on a heli rebuild.

[Si_B]

If you've taken them out to solve engine problems, and the engine problems went away, then chuck them.

Glow plugs don't self heal in your flight box !!!.