Shouldn't you unmount a glow plug on a hot engine?

[maxHiLux]

I went out with my TNX 5.2 today and still fiddling with the carburator and had it to rich. So I unscrewed my plug to let the fuel go out, but at the end of my day I noticed the glow plug wouldn't thighten anymore. I went back home and the screw thread had been worn. I really haven't put pressure to it, so I was wondering if (un)screwing the glow plug on a hot engine is a no go.

Any thoughts on this?

 

Max

[mymonsterbeetleisbroken]

Tamiya recommend not to touch anything on the engine untill it is cooled down, so i guess taking the glow plug out of a hot engine can't be a good idea.

 

[tupers]

I've heard of loosening glow pulgs off to get the engine to start a bit easier, but its not a good idea to run one with the glow plug loose.  If you run with the plug loose then as the head expands with the heat you run the risk of damaging the threads in the head.

Tupers

 

[backtomyroots]

I'm not sure but my last run my tnx 5.2 started to sputter & then stopped.  I ran over and my glow plug was gone !  So, make sure it's tight before hitting the throttle or it will disappear from all that vibration [:$].

[maxHiLux]

Well backtomyroots that's exactly what happend once with my car. So beware not to change or thighten it when its hot or you will have to replace your inner head (part EN7) as well []

[Madmat]

There is no harm in running your engine with the plug loosened but you will feel it's effects in the performance of the engine, and like backtomyroots said it will fire the plug out eventually. If you need to clear the engine of fuel take the plug out completely, turn the truck upside down and turn the engine over for a couple seconds. after that put the plug back in and off you go.

[WillyChang]

I often take out the plug to stop a running engine... causes no harm.

Its better than pinching the fuelline (engine runs lean whilst dying), blocking the exhaust (engine floods to drown itself) or stopping the flywheel (am not wearing shoes ALL the time). Loosening the plug & removing compression means the engine can be started up again very easily.

What's causing the head's threads to wear out? it shouldn't unless you've been cranking down hard.

If you're using a (non-turbo) plug with a copper washer, it is good practice to remove the washer from the plug and flip it over before reinstalling - every time you need to retighten the plug.