Max Flash M8 Extra Hot Glow Plug

How to choose your Glowplug

We stock the excellent ‘Fire Power’ and ‘Max Flash’ range of glowplugs from Model Technics, available in a range of heat ratings.

DEFINITION OF HOT AND COLD – If an engine is adjusted to run well on plug A: And when plug B is substituted it is noted the needle valve must be leaned to get equally good running: Then plug A is said to be `hotter than plug B. Plug B is `colder’ because the element needs the extra heat, generated by the leaner mixture, to reach the optimum operating temperature in the required time.

CORRECT SELECTION OF HEAT RATING can give up to 2000 rpm power increase and improved throttling. Too cold a plug will cause loss of power and or poor throttling. TOO HOT A PLUG will also cause loss of power and or poor throttling but, additionally, it can cause pre-ignition, overheating and detonation leading to FAILURE OF THE PLUG and DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. When a needle valve is leaned, the leaner mixture heats the plug element faster and advances the ignition. Maximum power is achieved when the ignition timing is optimised. If the plug is too hot, then, although the timing can be optimised the mixture is still too rich for absolute maximum power. But, if the needle is further leaned, then the ignition becomes too advanced and again loses power. With the FIREPOWER RANGE it is possible to fit a colder plug so that when the needle is leaned to give optimum timing, it also gives optimum mixture AT THE SAME TIME and thereby gives ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM POWER with extremely good throttling.

SELECTION OF THE CORRECT PLUG can only be made by testing and in most cases the plug that produces the highest rpm is the best choice. Other parameters to look for are:- lowest reliable idle speed; cleanest pick-up from idle having allowed time for the engine to cool; strongest mid-range pick-up and an uncritical main needle setting. HIGHLY TUNED RACING ENGINES will probably require an F2, F3 or F4. HIGH PERFORMANCE CONTEST ENGINES F3, F4 or F5. HIGH POWER SPORTS ENGINES F4, F5 or F6 and REGULAR SPORTS ENGINES F5, F6 or F7. But there are many exceptions to these suggestions, so don’t be afraid to experiment – though be careful to avoid detonation when trying hotter plugs by setting the needle a little on the rich side. Two important factors that influence the choice of plug: If the NITROMETHANE content is increased significantly a colder plug will be needed if the COMPRESSION RATIO is reduced a substantially a hotter plug will be needed.