Questionable glow plug

Radio Control Car Action, Oct 2003 by Higgins, Matt

YOU'VE GOT PROBLEMS? WE'VE GOT FIXES.

I have no idea what's up with my RTR Nitro TC3's engine. It used to run fine, but now it only runs if I leave my glow-plug igniter on. As soon as I take it off the plug, it dies. Holla back, if you know what's up. I've already spent a ton on my RC stuff. Will this cost me a fortune to fix?

Garret Moore

Well, here's your holla back; you're in luck. The problem is with your glow plug; it has seen its last day. The good news is that it's cheap to replace. You can get a new one for roughly $5. Your faulty glow plug doesn't stay lit when the igniter is removed and thus causes an immediate flameout. The igniter initially heats up the plug, and the heat from the combustion in the running engine keeps the plug glowing. A new plug should fix the problem, and I recommend that you buy the same type of plug as came with your kit; it's a McCoy MC-59 (item no. MC59).

If you have adjusted any of the carb's needle settings or its idle position, I also suggest that you return those to the factory settings. Finally, it's also a good idea to confirm that your glowplug igniter is fully charged before you attempt to start your car.