cappaj1

My Feedback: (1)

I just noticed my replacement OS Max 46AX came with a A3 glow plug. Everyone that recommended an OS plug recommended the #8 plug.

What's the difference between the two and should I use the A3 rather than the #8?

Thanks in advance.

Bax

My Feedback: (11)

Here's the chart: http://www.osengines.com/accys/glowplugs.html

The #A3 plug is slightly-hotter than the #8.

We believe that the O.S. #8 plug is just about the best all-around glow plug for 2-stroke glow applications. The #A3 is an alternative that works in just about the same applications.

Lille-bror

Hey.

The A3 works very well if you use 0 % nitro in your fuel and/or fly in very cold condition.

cappaj1

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks. I think I'm going to save $1 and go with the A3 plugs for a while.

A couple things I noticed that were different are the glow tips in the [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVSEARCH=OS+PLUG&search=Go]photos[/link] show at Tower for the two (maybe the're just facing different ways)

plus the cost at Tower. The #8 is $1 more.

I wonder why the differences in the tips and in the cost?

microsprint9

I like the A3, i run 10% omega in all my glow engines and use this plug in all of them ( TT GP.07, TT PRO.36, TT PRO.46, Magnum .15XL and .15XLS and my OS .40LA ), i've had no problems with this plug at all. I only have a #8 in my OS .25FX cause it came with it.

Jburry

I've used 8's and a3's in my 46AX and noted no real difference in performance. The 8 seemed to last slightly longer. I run 15% omega, and the engine turns very fast (16-17K in the air), yet the 8's last more than a gallon for me.

J

n19htmare

My Feedback: (1)

Am I reading this right???

First of all, what prop are you spinning at 16-17K on the 46AX?

Second of all, more than a gallon...how much more? . If you're only getting 1-2 gallons per plug something is WRONG.

I'm still on the A3 that came with my first AX46. I have broken in 2 engines with this plug, I've run maybe 5 gallons on it and am still using it.

Lomcevak Duck

My Feedback: (14)

I have used both plugs without trouble for years. It is rare that I burn plugs.

I run 15% on all my engines no matter which plug is in the top. The #8 seems to make high performance engines run better, such as the OS. .15CV-A, .32SX and 1.60FX. But I run the cheaper A3 in all the other two strokes, and an OS type F in my four cycles. This has done well for me flying in hot South Georgia summers and even in our winters' cold weather (for GA, 30* is cold...)

alfredbmor

There is an engine reviewer called Andrew Coholic which writes for FlyRC, reading some of his reviews you can note that there is not a significant difference among some brand of plugs, I believe that the only significant difference among the plugs is how hot or cold they could be and when is the time to use one or the other.
About the life span of a plug I have to say that I have engines with the same plug for over 4 years and still working good, sometimes it is good to change the original plug after breaking in a new engine but it is not a rule and the same plug could last very long.
I use OS F type plugs on my 4 strokers and A3 and A8 on my 2 strokers.

Happy landings.

ply2win

My Feedback: (3)

This might be a silly question but why not use an OS F plug in a 2 stroke? It seems like I read somewhere that the element stays hotter so it could help with an inverted 2 stroke.

alfredbmor

The difference of ignition could be the answer, 4 strokers need a more resistant filament while 2 strokers do not, so using a F type plug on a two stroker could only be a waste of money.

2slow2matter

My Feedback: (1)

Because they are 10 bucks, and not needed in 2 strokes as there is an ignition on every up stroke, so the heat never really dissipates.

ply2win

My Feedback: (3)

That makes sense but I'm assuming it doesn't have any negative effects on the engine.

I have a 2 stroke that is mounted inverted and it doesn't want to idle well. I was considering giving this plug a try but I want to make sure it won't cause any problems. I figure that if it works it's a lot cheaper then an onboard glow setup.