glow plugs

i use 1.5 volts on my 049 plugs. i'm sure you could go to 1.7 volts somewhat safely, but 049s have always started fine with 1.5 for me

In high school, I accidentally connected a 6 Volt lantern battery to a Cox glow head, an expensive mistake. (Both 1.5 V and 6 V batteries had the same form factor - looked the same except for labeling.)

i do as well
accidentally connected 12 volts to one lol

Kim wrote:

GallopingGhostler wrote:In high school, I accidentally connected a 6 Volt lantern battery to a Cox glow head, an expensive mistake.  (Both 1.5 V and 6 V batteries had the same form factor - looked the same except for labeling.)

Ahhh...the ole "Flashplug"...I know your pain, Brother!!!!

Very familiar, hmm, M3B flash bulbs, had one of these to use with my 120 twin lens box camera.


Remember the blue flash bulb image temporarily burned into the back of your eye balls for the next 10 minutes?

Yup, blew 2 plugs at the same time trying to start a twin .049.  I inadvertently plugged my dual glow plug clips into the 12volt terminal. Now I need to figure out a way to idiot proof my mini power panel

coxaddict, I'd make a special short patch cord that plugged into those banana connectors, with another styled connector on it. Use 2 drilled holes about half inch apart in the aluminum panel to run a 1/8" zip tie to hold patch cord permanently in place. Then use use same styled connector on the patch cord other end for your glow head leads. Perhaps the auto style 2 pin trailer plug could be something unique enough not to be confused with all your other field connections.

Next photo shows the couple buck 2 pin trailer connector I used for a vehicle charger, available at any auto parts store. (By a 12 inch extension, cut wiring in 2, now you have both connectors. )


Shumaker Charger using 2 pin trailer connectors

Coxaddict,
I have that same panel...and popped a pile of plugs also. Since the glowplug is polarity-agnostic, I will color-code mine so the plug holes are some aweful color like puce or purple (or some other "P" color) for "P"lugs, and leave the 12V red/black in their natural colors.

PS I can't find those panels, and am looking for a spare. Do you know where you got yours? Was it recently? TIA

The Cermark PP is my currant it has a plug for both wires for the glow , It does all kinds of good stuff too as ck. your input batt. and your receiver battery to . I had to but a connector for it so both wires go into one plug , haven't used it much but for 10- it was a deal at a show I was at . The Hobbico 2nd one died !

Thanks for the great ideas. I actually have those polarized trailer plugs. I'll use it on the starter side.
944_jim, I bought my PP on ebay from a seller who had a few of them. I should have bought more.