Going through glow plugs - See picture

[vincentvega]

I seem to be going through glow plugs more this season. The last one (see picture) had about 6 tanks on it and the element was mangled and broken. I'd think that the mangled element would mean a lean condition or high compression but I'm running a bit rich with my head temp at 160 (telemetry mounted on the lowest fin of the head) and a healthy stream of smoke in flight. She's a ringed engine so I don't think that compression is the issue.

My setup is: 55HZ, OS #8 plug, Funtech B320 pipe, MOAS clunk, Vbar gov set at 1950 rpm running on Magnum Heli 30+ fuel. At the beginning of the season I had the Magnum Centerglide bushing installed and I also re-ringed the engine. She runs great and makes plenty of power but I can't keep a glow plug for more than a few tanks.

The picture isn't great but you can see the color looks right and the element has seen better days.

Any suggestions? Maybe a different plug?

[Rob43]

Inspect the rear bearing. Might even order one, and simply replace it. You don't want to let it get to the point where it begins to score the liner. Mainly corrosion products are "tracked" through the engine and "trampled" in the races, causing spalling. Any such particles will foul the plug.

[vincentvega]

Thanks for the reply. I don't have a rear bearing anymore. It's a Centerglide bushing and I replaced the front bearing at the same time.

I'm going to try a different plug and see if that works.

[Rob43]

I guess I'd try an Enya #4. I have better luck running it where I live here in Michigan.

[vincentvega]

That's what I was thinking. I bought some Enya 4's yesterday and I'll give them a try. I'll check back and let you know how they worked out. Thanks again.

[vincentvega]

Well it's been a week and I'm still running the same Enya #4 so that's encouraging. I've been running OS #8's for years and never had problems until now. Thanks again for the help and I'll check back after a few gallons.