6 TIPS TO IMPROVE PLUG LIFE
Remove the crud before you remove the plug
Before you remove or install a glow plug, clean the area around the plug mounting hole. Do this with the engine upside down so that debris does not enter the engine.
New plug, new gasket
When installing a new standard plug, always use the new gasket included with the plug to ensure a proper seal against the head. Discard the old gasket with the old plug.
Remove the glow starter promptly
Running the engine with the glow starter attached will quickly wear out the plug. Glow plugs generally don’t run as hot in actual operation as when they’re heated by the glow starter. The extra heat produced by the glow starter will shorten the life span of the plug.
Avoid running the engine to empty
Don’t pinch your engine’s fuel line to stop it or allow the engine to run the tank dry. The engine runs very lean as it burns the last of the fuel in the line, which may damage the plug and decrease its useful life. The best way to stop a nitro engine is to stub the flywheel.
Keep your plugs packaged
Loose plugs are prone to collecting dirt and debris that may foul the element, or the element may be damaged by tool tips or hardware, depending on where you store them in your toolbox. Keep your plugs safe in their packs until you’re ready to install them. It’s also much easier to identify a plug’s specs while it’s in the package.
Don’t overtighten the plug
Once the plug snugs up against the head, it’s tight enough. Further tightening increases the odds of stripping or galling the threads in the aluminum head. Overtightening can also warp the head, which can result in an air leak.