Author Topic: My glow plug igniters fall off. What to do? (Read 1533 times)

frank mccune · « **on:** February 07, 2020, 08:14:40 AM »

In an attempt to simplify my needs for flying, I have switched to using the self contained glow igniter to avoid battery leads, glow plug clip and a bulky battery. However, the igniters fail to lock onto the plug. This leads to frustration to say the least. I have attempted to alter the grip on the igniter but to no avail

Suggestions/comments?

Tia,

Frank McCune

John Lindberg · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2020, 08:39:11 AM »

Have you tried Sonictronic igniters?

Peter in Fairfax, VA · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2020, 09:20:05 AM »

What brand/model? McDaniel/Sonic Tronics locks pretty well.

Peter in Fairfax, VA · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2020, 09:51:53 AM »

http://www.sonictronics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16355&cat=425&page=1

frank mccune · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2020, 01:09:14 PM »

Hi:

Is it a possibility that these igniters will only lock on to specific glow plugs? Perhaps not all brands are compatible with them. I may have to do a bit of research on plugs.

Thanks for all of the replies!

Frank McCune

Jim Mynes · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2020, 01:43:03 PM »

The obvious solution is...

GO ELECTRIC!

billbyles · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2020, 02:37:25 PM »

Quote from: frank mccune on February 07, 2020, 01:09:14 PM

Hi:

Is it a possibility that these igniters will only lock on to specific glow plugs? Perhaps not all brands are compatible with them. I may have to do a bit of research on plugs.

Thanks for all of the replies!

Frank McCune

I have found that Enya plugs, as much as I like them, do not seem to retain the glow igniters as well as other plugs. I have to push the igniter firmly on to the plug & twist while pushing with the Enyas.

bob whitney · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2020, 04:00:21 PM »

Quote from: Jim Mynes on February 07, 2020, 01:43:03 PM

The obvious solution is...

GO ELECTRIC!

that's the part that is not working

L0U CRANE · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2020, 04:59:47 PM »

You should not be the only one holding the model during starting. Your "launcher" should provide enough steadiness that YOU can hold the clip-on connector in contact. It isn't always easy, but consider the gyrations needed to un-clip it from an inverted engine without losing - at least - some skin off knuckles...

I have, of course, flown solo - alone - and am keenly aware (from occasional reminders) that it is tricky and hazardous. Add the additional gyrations to secure the thing in the launching stooge!

I still have 10 fingers, which work well enough considering the number of years I've used them (I'm 80.) It is YOUR responsibility to keep safe and uninjured...

And, it feels so good when it all becomes (safe) habit.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2020, 05:19:44 PM »

It MIGHT be your glow plugs. I use Glo Devil plugs on everything. They always stay on-in fact sometimes have to shake them off. However a while back I bought a large batch of Glo Devils from somebody on Ebay at a good price. I soon discovered however the glow starter would slip right off these. On close inspection these new- in- package plugs must be a lot older plugs. They lack a groove the later ones have that must be there to engage the driver. Maybe just try some other plugs.

Dave

BillP · « **Reply #10 on:** February 08, 2020, 07:12:57 AM »

Mcdaniels have stayed on every plug and engine position I've tried. Over 100s of flights the tip can get distorted and come off easier so they don't last forever.

Which one are you using that doesn't stay on?

frank mccune · « **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2020, 07:31:57 AM »

Hi Bill P et al:

The glow drivers are all no name. Perhaps this is the problem. I should invest in a McDaniel.

Thanks for all of the replies.

Frank

PaulGibeault · « **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2020, 12:37:38 PM »

As a VERY satisfied Sonic Tronics McDaniel Ni Starter user, I hold the Northwest record for the fastest Ni starter. It stayed on my K&B .40 powered NW Super Sport racer which was inadvertently released during a pitstop. I made 5 laps at over 100 MPH before I noticed my pitman signalling me to land. Yea old Ni Starter was still there!!

Cheers,
Paul

frank mccune · « **Reply #13 on:** February 10, 2020, 11:21:13 AM »

Hi:

I discovered yesterday that all three of these igniters lock firmly to Fox glow plugs?

Now that Fox plugs are no longer available, this reflects well the true story of my life. Lol

Where may I obtain some Fox plugs?

Tia,

Frank

Peter in Fairfax, VA · « **Reply #14 on:** February 10, 2020, 11:40:23 AM »

Frank,

Mecoa has them: https://www.mecoa.biz/shopexd.asp?id=2215 And I might just have some old stock. What size / model / quantity?

Peter

Bill Adair · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2020, 12:20:37 PM »

Frank,

I only have one Fox plug new in the package, but you can have it for free. PM me your mail address.

Bill Adair

Phil Spillman · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2020, 03:16:55 PM »

Hi Frank, Get Phil C to order you some Fireball RC plugs from Brodak the Fox plug may well be great but they aren't around anymore! You can call Sonic Tronics, number is in the MA mag. They are great people to deal with! I've used there stuff since I started to fly only Stunt in 1985! They are the BEST! Forget the old crap except for those golden oldie memories!

Phil Spillman

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2020, 05:11:47 PM »

Quote from: frank mccune on February 10, 2020, 11:21:13 AM

Hi:

I discovered yesterday that all three of these igniters lock firmly to Fox glow plugs? Now that Fox plugs are no longer available, this reflects well the true story of my life. Lol

Where may I obtain some Fox plugs?

Tia,

Frank

Fox plugs are only good for fishing weights, and maybe not even good for that! We had a club member who I worked with a lot who showed up at Buder with 6 brand new ones one Sunday, and each one lasted exactly one flight. I think the last ones made were built using picture hanging wire or something. If the igniters attach to Fox plugs, they will attach to others. PLEASE try the Glow Devil R/C long, or search the forums for the new maker of Thunderbolt plugs and try those. You will not regret it, and be thankful that Fox plugs are no longer made.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

Dave Harmon · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2020, 06:59:22 PM »

Quote from: frank mccune on February 10, 2020, 11:21:13 AM

Hi:

I discovered yesterday that all three of these igniters lock firmly to Fox glow plugs? Now that Fox plugs are no longer available, this reflects well the true story of my life. Lol

Where may I obtain some Fox plugs?

Tia,

Frank

Forget the Fox plugs....as others have said.....I have some NIP and I won't sell or give them away.
I got some good Thunderbolt plugs with idle bar here....
https://www.mikegoesflying.com/shop/engine-accessories/thunderbolt-rc-long-glow-plug-with-idle-bar/

This is the old Hobby Shack v.2.
Quick shipping and the plugs work great.
They also have McDaniel drivers....and so do I.
This driver locks on very well on my K&B, Enya 3, TB Performance 3 plugs and others made by Ohlsson Corp.
Git a new MD driver!

Peter in Fairfax, VA · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2020, 07:16:46 PM »

I like Fox plugs, but each person has their own experiences. Sonic-tronics are also good.

Andrew Hathaway · « **Reply #20 on:** February 13, 2020, 03:14:14 AM »

Used to use Fox plugs exclusively. Switched to K&B plugs in the important stuff. Noticed the K&Bs lasted several times longer and didn't have that audible RPM drop when the glow lighter came off the plug. Kept using Fox plugs out of blind brand loyalty or stubborness, until one time when we had at least half a card of new Fox plugs, that were all poor right out of the packs. Still have a bunch of old Fox plugs around that barely work. Some look practically new. They make good bench plugs to keep the dust out, but that's about it. I had an engine that had a habit of killing plugs, might have been a 36X. It'd kill a marginal Fox plug every flight, like clockwork. Used it to kill off a few of the flaky Fox plugs before that got old. Pop in a crusty old K&B plug that wasn't good enough for stunt, and it would usually last several more flights. Nothing special about K&B plugs, they're the same plugs you see from just about every US source that wasn't Fox. Wish I hadn't stuck with Fox plugs as long as I did, in retrospect they were trash.