How Does an RC Glow Plug Igniter Work and What Should You Know?

In case you didn’t know, a glow plug igniter is what heats the glow plug so you can start any nitro RC engine, which is why you’ll also see this accessory called a glow starter or glow driver.

Here we’ll go over all the details of this little gadget and how you should charge it so it always performs at its best.

To compare the different igniters available for nitro RC cars, just follow the link below and check the specs of the one that interests you most.

See glow plug igniters on Amazon

What is a glow plug igniter?

As we mentioned above, the igniter heats the glow plug inside the engine of any nitro RC car. That’s what gets the engine to start, so you can pull off all the moves that make this hobby so much fun.

You can use an igniter on nitro cars with a pull starter as well as on those started on a starter box. The igniter doesn’t create a spark at the plug: it works as a heater on the plug’s element.

Depending on the igniter you use, you may need to charge it regularly. That’s why we always recommend using the igniter that comes with your car or one recommended by the manufacturer of the car you’re running.

How you charge each igniter can vary depending on the model, so below you’ll find the options available.

The original igniter charger

The original or “factory” charger is the most recommended option for charging the igniter for your nitro RC engine. Some of its advantages:

It comes preconfigured, so the igniter is charged the right way with no risk. It uses the correct, safe current, which helps your igniter last longer.

One drawback of this kind of charger is the time it can take to fully charge your igniter. A charge can take a few hours, but it does make sure the battery is completely full. Even if that’s a downside, remember that following the right steps and using original accessories will make your components last much longer.

As an extra tip, before you charge your igniter again, run its internal battery all the way down. This helps the battery last longer and avoids the so-called memory effect. This advice is very common for any device that runs on NiMH batteries.

Pro or digital chargers for glow plug igniters

This is another option on the market when you’re choosing a charger for your igniter. Here’s a bit more about them, plus some advice on using them.

One of the most important things to keep in mind with these chargers is that they deliver the right output for your igniter, whose cell is 1.2 V.

Another point is the option to select the type of battery you’re charging and its charge cycle. That last option is the most useful for charging batteries that suffer from the memory effect, such as NiCd cells.

Because these chargers let you choose the current the battery is charged at, don’t overdo it. The higher the current, the faster the battery charges, but it can also drastically shorten the battery’s life, or even ruin it. This is definitely one of the most important points to watch to avoid accidents while charging.

Ideally, give your battery the time it needs to charge properly. The right charge current depends on the battery’s capacity: for example, a 1,800 mAh battery should be charged at 300 to 400 mA, so it doesn’t get overcharged.

Tips for your igniter’s battery

As we said above, avoid charging your igniter all the time: try to do it only when the battery is fully drained. Plugging it in and unplugging it constantly will only shorten your igniter’s life.

We know it isn’t always possible to fully drain the igniter’s battery, but we recommend doing it at least once a week: let it run all the way down, then charge it back up completely.

Digital chargers include a discharge function for when it’s hard to drain the battery by using the igniter.

Always charge your batteries at the correct current. Don’t try to use a higher one: the battery will charge faster, but you’ll seriously shorten its life.

Buying a glow plug igniter

Getting a new igniter for your nitro RC car is easier than ever, and you can do it from the comfort of home. Just pick the product that suits you best using the Amazon link at the top of this post.

Among the options you’ll find some very handy kits that include the igniter along with other accessories that are useful for adjusting and tuning your RC car. That’s why we recommend checking the specs of each one carefully before placing your order.

You can buy through Amazon, a platform we trust to offer you a wide selection of products. You can also take advantage of its deals, especially on shipping.

We hope this post on glow plug igniters for nitro RC cars has been useful. Feel free to leave a comment below and share it on social media.