10 best glow plug for rc cars

A glow plug for RC cars is a crucial component related to the combustion engine parts and powerplant driveline systems in radio-controlled (RC) cars. It plays a vital role in starting and maintaining the engine's combustion process. Here are some key points about glow plugs for RC cars:

  1. Ignition Source: Unlike full-sized vehicles that use spark plugs, many small-scale RC cars, especially those with nitro or gas-powered engines, use glow plugs as the ignition source. These engines rely on a combination of air, fuel (often nitro fuel or gasoline), and heat from the glow plug to generate power.

  2. Composition: Glow plugs are typically made of a metal alloy, often containing platinum and other materials, designed to resist high temperatures and provide consistent ignition.

  3. Heating Element: The glow plug features a heating element at its tip. Before starting the engine, the glow plug must be heated to a specific temperature using a battery-powered glow plug igniter. This process preheats the plug, making it "glow" red-hot.

  4. Starting Process: To start an RC car with a glow plug, the user applies power to the plug for a few seconds, allowing it to heat up.The heated glow plug then ignites the fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber, starting the engine.

  5. Maintenance: Glow plugs are consumable components and have a finite lifespan. They can become fouled or wear out over time, requiring replacement. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and adjusting the glow plug, is essential for optimal engine performance.

  6. Variety: There are various types and sizes of glow plugs available, each suitable for specific engine types and operating conditions. Choosing the right glow plug is essential for achieving optimal engine performance and reliability.

  7. Safety: Users must exercise caution when handling glow plugs, especially when heating them with a glow plug igniter, as they can become extremely hot.

In summary, a glow plug for RC cars is a critical component that provides the necessary ignition source for nitro or gas-powered engines in radio-controlled vehicles. It allows these engines to start and run efficiently, making it a key part of the powerplant driveline system for RC cars.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best glow plug for rc cars on the market
  

YoungRC HSP Nitro Glow Plug Igniter Starter Tools with Battery Charger for HSP RedCat Nitro Powered 1/8 1/10 RC Car

YoungRC

Based on 139 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features:

Light weight and portable to carry.

High quality and durability in use.

Rechargeable 1.2V 3600mAh Ni-Cd battery.

With battery charger brings much convenience.

Suit for HSP RedCat 1/8 1/10 nitro car.



Specifications:

Item name: Glow plug igniter and charger

Material: Aluminum alloy

Battery: Rechargeable 1.2V 3600mAh Ni-Cd battery

Battery charger: US plug

Suit for: HSP RedCat 1/8 1/10 nitro car

Item weight: 109g



Package List:

1 * Glow Plug Igniter

1 * Battery Charger (US Plug)

  • Suitable for 1/8, 1/10 scale gas nitro powered R/C.
  • Made of high quality material, durable in use.
  • Only weight 109g, and portable to carry.
  • Rechargeable 1.2V 3600mAh Ni-Cd battery.
  • Come with battery charger, brings much convenience, easy to use.

User questions & answers

Question: How long to charge my youngrc nitro plug up for the first time
Answer: The charge light indicates when it's fully charged
Question: I have this igniter and i dont know whats wrong with it but it takes alot to start my buggy up is these igniter any good
Answer: Honestly I bought 2 and there junk in my opinion
Question: How long does it take to charge
Answer: It will cost about 180 mins to charge. The red light means charging.

Shaluoman N3 Hot Spark Glow Plug for RC Nitro Engines Car Truck Traxxas Pack of 5

Based on 177 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Description:

100% Brand New

Longer Lasting Element

For 4c Engines

Improves Idle And Transition

For 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels

Quantity:5PCS

  • For 4c Engines

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work in a redcat buggy? It uses N3 hot glow plugs
Answer: Yes. I purchased these for my redcat truck.
Question: will thi s fit tmaxx
Answer: All I know is it fits a .21 nitro engine.
Question: Will these fit my revo
Answer: Yes
Question: I have a exceed-rc truck with the .18 motor, will these work
Answer: Yea

Dynamite Metered Glow Driver with 2600mAh Ni-MH & Charger, DYN1922

Dynamite

Based on 399 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Metered Glow Driver with 2600mAh Ni-MH & Charger (DYN1922). Included 2600mAh Sub-C Ni-MH battery. Sure-Lock Glow Plug Attachment for hands-free charging. Contoured Comfort Grip Finger Clip. Convenient 250mAh wall charger.

  • Included 2600mAh Sub-C Ni-MH battery
  • Sure-Lock Glow Plug Attachment for hands-free charging
  • Contoured Comfort Grip Finger Clip
  • Convenient 250mAh wall charger

User questions & answers

Question: Been charging for three days now red light hasn't went off yeah what is wrong im lost
Answer: Quit looking at the light dude, you're gonna hurt your eyes. 5 or 6 hours for a full charge. The light indicates it's getting power, don't wait for green. I love this charger - it's kicks hard and lasts long!
Question: Will this igniter work on airplane nitro engines
Answer: Yes. As long as it is a nitro glo plug.
Question: Is this a medium starter
Answer: Not exactly sure of term use "medium". It fits on common, standard glow plugs and the reach length is over 2".
Question: can you replace the battery
Answer: Yes, it's a 2600 Mah Sub C NiMH Rechargeable Battery

Product features

Dynamite Metered Glow Driver with 2600mAhNi-MH Battery & Charger

The Dynamite Ni-MH metered glow driverwas designed to make glow ignition easy and affordable. Available with or without a charger, the unit comes anodized for durability and great looks.

Key Features:

  • Included 2600mAh Sub-C Ni-MH battery
  • Sure-Lock Glow Plug Attachment for hands-free charging
  • Contoured Comfort Grip Finger Clip
  • Convenient 250mAh wall charger

Hobbypark 2pcs 70117 Duty Glow Plug #3 N3 Hot Spark Nitro Engine Parts Replace OS 8 for Traxxas Kyosho HSP HPI Redcat 1/8 1:10th RC Car Truck Buggy Silver

Based on 489 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Item: HobbyPark Hot Glow Plug N3 #3



Package Include:2x Hot Glow Plug (1 Washer Per Glow Plug Included)



Features:

-Replace OS #8 Glow Plug

-Platinum/Iridium Supper Glow plug

-Longer Lasting Element

-For 4c Engines

-Improves Idle and transition

-For 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels

HEX Size: 8mm



Application:HSP Himoto Redcat Traxxas Koysho HPI Cars Airplane and so on.



Compatibile with: SHOCKWAVE, TSUNAMI, VOLCANO STX, TORNADO S30, VOLCANO S30, AFTERSHOCK 21, HURRICANE XL, AFTERSHOCK 3.0, AFTERSHOCK 3.5, BACKDRAFT 3.5, CALDERA 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.5, HURRICANE XP, LANDSLIDE 21, LANDSLIDE LT, MAELSTROM LT, MONSOON XP, SANDSTORM 21, SANDSTORM LT, TWISTER LT, TYPHOON XP, REACTOR RS 3.3, VOLCANO MX, VOLCANO SV, VOLCANO T2, VORTEX SS, TORNADO BB and more.. for club racing and sport use



Note: This is a generic product;Check your specific model's manual for compatibility.

  • Platinum/Iridium Super Glow plug Replace OS #8
  • Longer Lasting Element, For 4c Engines 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels
  • Improves Idle and transition
  • Compatible with: tmaxx 3.3 EB-4 thunder tiger stock SHOCKWAVE, TSUNAMI, VOLCANO STX, TORNADO S30, VOLCANO S30, AFTERSHOCK 21, HURRICANE XL, AFTERSHOCK 3.0, AFTERSHOCK 3.5, BACKDRAFT 3.5, CALDERA 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.5, HURRICANE XP, LANDSLIDE 21, LANDSLIDE LT, MAELSTROM LT, MONSOON XP, SANDSTORM 21, SANDSTORM LT, TWISTER LT, TYPHOON XP, REACTOR RS 3.3, VOLCANO MX, VOLCANO SV, VOLCANO T2, VORTEX SS, TORNADO BB
  • Pack of 2,100% New,Genuine HobbyPark RC Products

User questions & answers

Question: How many volts are these
Answer: 1.5 volt
Question: Does this work with traxxas rustler
Answer: Yes, I actually ordered 2 and put one in my brother-in-laws Traxxas Nitro Rustler.
Question: Does this glow plug work with the exceed rc forza buggy
Answer: Yes it will they work with any nitro engine they are really good
Question: Does this fit a kyosho gxr
Answer: Yes

Hobbypark 6PCS 70117 Glow Plug #4 N4 Spark Medium Hot Nitro Engine Parts for Traxxas Redcat HPI HSP 1/8 1/10 RC Car Truck Buggy

Hobbypark

Based on 124 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Note: The color of the item may vary slightly due to photography and your own computer

There's some little error from human measuring.

Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

If you are not 100% completely satisfied with our products, please do not hesitate to contact us to request a refund or exchange!



Item: Medium Glow Plug

Package Include: 6 Pieces (1 Washer Per Glow Plug Included)



Features:

-Medium Hot

-Platinum/Iridium Supper Glow plug

-Longer Lasting Element

-For 4c Engines

-Improves Idle and transition

-For 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels

-HEX Size: 8mm



Compatible with:Mostly Brands RC Nitro Powered Vehicles



Note:Check your specific model's manual for compatibility,or Contact us.

  • Platinum/Iridium Super Duty Glow plug,No. 4 Medium Hot, Replace OS 8
  • Longer Lasting Element, For Vehicles with 4c Engines 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels
  • Improves Idle and transition
  • Compatible with: tmaxx 3.3 EB-4 thunder tiger stock SHOCKWAVE, TSUNAMI, VOLCANO STX, TORNADO S30, VOLCANO S30, AFTERSHOCK 21, HURRICANE XL, AFTERSHOCK 3.0, AFTERSHOCK 3.5, BACKDRAFT 3.5, CALDERA 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.5, HURRICANE XP, LANDSLIDE 21, LANDSLIDE LT, MAELSTROM LT, MONSOON XP, SANDSTORM 21, SANDSTORM LT, TWISTER LT, TYPHOON XP, REACTOR RS 3.3, VOLCANO MX, VOLCANO SV, VOLCANO T2, VORTEX SS, TORNADO BB,Kyosho
  • Pack of 6, 100% New,Genuine HobbyPark RC Products

User questions & answers

Question: is n4 hotter than n
Answer: If I am not mistake the lower the hot
Question: Will these work for my dynamite
Answer: Yes
Question: Is this compatible with RC nitro car that takes OS10 glow pug or OS glow plug A
Answer: Not sure
Question: Will these work for my savage
Answer: It should

Globact HSP Nitro Glow Plug Igniter for HSP RedCat Nitro Powered 1/8 1/10 RC Car Buggy Truck Model Plane with Battery Charger

Based on 34 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

If you are not 100% completely satisfied with our products, please do not hesitate to contact us to request a refund or exchange!

Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

If you are not 100% completely satisfied with our products, please do not hesitate to contact us to request a refund or exchange!

The rechargeable HSP nitro starter glow plug igniter with battery charger will bring much convenience for you to start 1/8 1/10 nitro car.

Specifications:

Item name: Glow plug igniter and charger

Material: Aluminum alloy

Battery: rechargeable 1.2V 1800mAh Ni-Cd battery

Battery charger: US plug

Suit for: HSP RedCat 1/8 1/10 nitro car

Item weight: 109 g

Package Information:

Package size: 13 * 10 * 4cm / 5.1 * 3.9 * 1.6in

Package weight: 115g / 4.1oz

Polybag package

Package List:

1 * Glow Plug Igniter

1 * Battery Charger (US Plug)

1 * 1.2V 1800mAh Ni-Cd Battery (Built-in)

  • Light weight and portable to carry,Contoured Comfort Grip Finger Clip
  • With battery charger brings much convenience
  • High quality and durability in use
  • Rechargeable 1.2V 1800mAh Ni-Cd battery
  • Suit for HSP RedCat 1/8 1/10 nitro car

User questions & answers

Question: The Red light went out and now there is no light
Answer: Suggestions for charging and using methanol engine igniter: 1: First plug in the charger and then plug in the igniter to charge. 2: The normal igniter can be fully charged for about 6-8 hours. The battery has a margin, and it only takes 3-4 hours to complete the charge. 3: After the igniter is fully charged, first unplug the igniter, and then unplug the charger plugged into the power supply 4: After the igniter is charged, you must remember to unplug the charger in time and don't leave it on the power socket, otherwise the charger will be easily damaged when there is no load, remember. Note: The igniter charger has an indicator light, it will not light up (or slightly brighter) when charging, this is normal
Question: how do you chrge the battery
Answer: Dear customer Insert the charger head into the igniter head to charge

Hobbypark RC Igniter & Hot Glow Plugs No.3 N3 Replace OS 8 Super Duty Spark Engine Parts for Traxxas Redcat RC Nitro Car Truck Off Road Buggy (Igniter+N3 Glow Plug)

Based on 94 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Note:The color of the item may vary slightly due to photography and your own computer /Phone

Please allow some little manual measurement error.

Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

If you are not 100% completely satisfied with our products, please do not hesitate to contact us to request a refund or exchange!



Note:Check your specific model's manual for compatibility,or Contact us.

  • ✔Note: Require AA Battery. The Igniter Starter come WITHOUT Battery
  • ✔Improves Idle and transition,Longer Lasting Element, For 1/8 1/10 Scale Vehicles with 4c Engines 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels
  • ✔Platinum/Iridium Super Duty,Replacement of OS 8, HSP 70117 N3 N4, Traxxas 3232X
  • ✔Compatible with: Traxxas tmaxx 3.3 EB-4 thunder tiger stock Redcat SHOCKWAVE, TSUNAMI, VOLCANO STX, TORNADO S30, VOLCANO S30, AFTERSHOCK 21, HURRICANE XL, AFTERSHOCK 3.0, AFTERSHOCK 3.5, BACKDRAFT 3.5, CALDERA 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.5, HURRICANE XP, LANDSLIDE 21, LANDSLIDE LT, MAELSTROM LT, MONSOON XP, SANDSTORM 21, SANDSTORM LT, TWISTER LT, TYPHOON XP, REACTOR RS 3.3, VOLCANO MX, VOLCANO SV, VOLCANO T2, VORTEX SS, TORNADO BB,Kyosho
  • ✔Package Include: 1x Igniter & 2x Glow Plug, 100% New,Genuine HobbyPark RC Products

Hobbypark Glow Plug Ignitor Igniter Nitro Engine Starter Tools Support AA Batteries for RC Car Buggy Truck Model Plane

Based on 494 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Item: Glow Plug Igniter

Part No.: 80103

Package Include: 1x Glow Plug Igniter



Features:

Use Standard AA Batteries (Batteries Not Included)



Compatible with:Nitro Power RC Car Plane Helicopter Boat And so on



Note:Check your specific model's manual for compatibility,or Contact us.

  • Just Use Standard AA Batteries (Batteries Not Included)
  • Essential Nitro Engine Starter Tools
  • Compatible with Nitro Power RC Car Plane Helicopter Boat And so on
  • Requires:1xStandard AA Batteries
  • Produced By HobbyPark ,Well made and durable,100% New

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work 049 motors as well as
Answer: If its nitro rc glow plug
Question: What other batteries can I use for the glow plug igniter
Answer: Don’t waste your money. Buy one that used a “C” battery.
Question: How many mamps? Volts
Answer: Not enough. Buy an igniter that uses a “C” battery
Question: Does this work on a avistar
Answer: probably, but honestly get a different 1. i broke 3 of these and it drains the battery very quickly if it even works at all.

JFtech Hot 70117 Spark Glow Plug No.3 N3 Platinum/Iridium Super Glow-Plug for RC HSP Nitro Engine Car Truck Buggy (Pack of 3)

Based on 153 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hot 70117 Platinum/Iridium Super Spark Glow Plug N3 for RC Nitro Engines Car Truck Buggy

Model : No.3/N3 : Hot .

Longer lasting element

For 4c Engines

Improves idle and transition

For 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels

Hexagon : 8mm

Over length: 17.2mm

Qty: 3 pcs



Compatible with: SHOCKWAVE, TSUNAMI, VOLCANO STX, TORNADO S30, VOLCANO S30, AFTERSHOCK 21, HURRICANE XL, AFTERSHOCK 3.0, AFTERSHOCK 3.5, BACKDRAFT 3.5, CALDERA 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.5, HURRICANE XP, LANDSLIDE 21, LANDSLIDE LT, MAELSTROM LT, MONSOON XP, SANDSTORM 21, SANDSTORM LT, TWISTER LT, TYPHOON XP, REACTOR RS 3.3, VOLCANO MX, VOLCANO SV, VOLCANO T2, VORTEX SS, TORNADO BB and more... Medium for club racing and sport use.

  • Hot 70117 Platinum/Iridium Super Spark Glow Plug N3 for RC Nitro Engines Car Truck Buggy
  • Model : No.3/N3 : Hot .
  • Improves idle and transition , Longer lasting element
  • For 4c Engines , For 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels
  • Compatible with: SHOCKWAVE, TSUNAMI, VOLCANO STX, TORNADO S30, VOLCANO S30, AFTERSHOCK 21, HURRICANE XL, AFTERSHOCK 3.0, AFTERSHOCK 3.5, BACKDRAFT 3.5, CALDERA 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.5, HURRICANE XP, LANDSLIDE 21, LANDSLIDE LT, MAELSTROM LT, MONSOON XP, SANDSTORM 21, SANDSTORM LT, TWISTER LT, TYPHOON XP, REACTOR RS 3.3, VOLCANO MX, VOLCANO SV, VOLCANO T2, VORTEX SS, TORNADO BB and more... Medium for club racing and sport use.

User questions & answers

Question: Compatible with traxxas revo
Answer: Yeah it should work it might be a hotter firing but it should work still for a get you going
Question: Will these work for hsp scale 1:10 buggy
Answer: Depends on what glow plug you use. They are similar to a os 8 plug work great in my 40

Hobbypark 70117H Hot Glow Plug N3 No. #3 Spark Nitro Engine Parts Replace OS for HSP Traxxas Himoto RC Car Truck Buggy (Pack of 6)

Based on 236 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Item:HobbyPark Hot Glow Plug N3 #3



Package Include:6x Hot Glow Plug (1 Washer Per Glow Plug Included)



Features:

-Replace OS #8 Glow Plug

-Platinum/Iridium Supper Glow plug

-Longer Lasting Element

-For 4c Engines

-Improves Idle and transition

-For 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels

HEX Size: 8mm



Application:HSP Himoto Redcat Traxxas Koysho HPI and so on.



Compatible with: Traxxas rustler,Redcat SHOCKWAVE, TSUNAMI, VOLCANO STX, TORNADO S30, VOLCANO S30, AFTERSHOCK 21, HURRICANE XL, AFTERSHOCK 3.0, AFTERSHOCK 3.5, BACKDRAFT 3.5, CALDERA 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.5, HURRICANE XP, LANDSLIDE 21, LANDSLIDE LT, MAELSTROM LT, MONSOON XP, SANDSTORM 21, SANDSTORM LT, TWISTER LT, TYPHOON XP, REACTOR RS 3.3, VOLCANO MX, VOLCANO SV, VOLCANO T2, VORTEX SS, TORNADO BB and more.. for club racing and sport use

  • Platinum/Iridium Super Glow plug Replace OS #8
  • Longer Lasting Element, For 4c Engines 5% - 40% Nitro Fuels
  • Improves Idle and transition
  • Compatible with: tmaxx 3.3 EB-4 thunder tiger stock SHOCKWAVE, TSUNAMI, VOLCANO STX, TORNADO S30, VOLCANO S30, AFTERSHOCK 21, HURRICANE XL, AFTERSHOCK 3.0, AFTERSHOCK 3.5, BACKDRAFT 3.5, CALDERA 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.0, EARTHQUAKE 3.5, HURRICANE XP, LANDSLIDE 21, LANDSLIDE LT, MAELSTROM LT, MONSOON XP, SANDSTORM 21, SANDSTORM LT, TWISTER LT, TYPHOON XP, REACTOR RS 3.3, VOLCANO MX, VOLCANO SV, VOLCANO T2, VORTEX SS, TORNADO BB
  • Pack of 6,100% New,Genuine HobbyPark RC Products

User questions & answers

Question: Will they work with hpi it’s rs4 .12e nitro star engine
Answer: Sure but probably won’t last very long
Question: Do these work better than the standard traxxas plug
Answer: Anything has to be better then these. Out of the six a few came burnt out already and one lasted one run. Got about two runs out of the whole six.
Question: Losi compatible
Answer: Yes
Question: Will they work with you savage
Answer: Most glow plugs will work. I have alqays found that buying a good brand always helps, and these have worked well for me. You will find that climate, humidity, temperature and other factors will determin which plug works best and gives you the performance you are looking for. These worked well for me in New England.

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