Left the glow igniter in the motor while flying

[davidz58]

Got really really lucky today.
After flying for 7 minutes, I brought the heli down and realized that I left the glow igniter attached to the glow plug the entire time while it was flying.

Didn't notice anything unusual during flight (temps came down okay too), did feel it was slightly more powerful.....

Do you think I harmed the motor by having the igniter during the entire flight?

I'm not really sure how, but does the plug actually glow after you take our the igniter?

Thanks,

[howardm4]

you didn't harm anything but may have taken a little life out of the plug itself.

the chemical reaction between the platinum of the coil and methane keeps the coil 'lit'

[fastflyer20]

You most likely did the most damage to the clamping of the glow igniter, they hate being bounced around. Many planes run on board glow for better idle., so it does not hurt the engine at all.

[davidz58]

You most likely did the most damage to the clamping of the glow igniter, they hate being bounced around. Many planes run on board glow for better idle., so it does not hurt the engine at all.

Thank god~ glow igniter is about $20....:thumbup:

I was testing my 700, didn't have the canopy on either.... I can't believe it didn't flip out.

[bloftin]

I doubt you did anything harmful to your engine at all, but your lucky it did not come off in flight and go through the rotor at 2000 rpm, that would have left a mark.

[terrabit]

I leave my glow igniter in for every flight. But then I use a switch glow. :)