Retractable glow plug mod?

[Chris Z]

Just to add to the discussion...

The circuit path through the glow plug that allows current flow to heat things up depends on two things. One is the proper seating of the glow plug base in it's socket. Some people find this difficult, for others it just snaps in.

The other part of the path (the one that I find ridiculous) is the tab on the side that maintains contact with the exterior shell of the glow plug. It's purely a friction thing and if the contact there is poor or nonexistent it won't allow the tip of the glow plug heat up and do its thing.

Placing a hose clap around this tab firmly holds the nub that is riding on the exterior of the glow plug (completing the path for current flow) enhancing it's connection and keeping it firmly connected through all of the temperature expansion and contraction that I'm sure this area undergoes.

There, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. As always, your milage may vary. Cook on!

 

[Goneincognito]

Just to add to the discussion...

The circuit path through the glow plug that allows current flow to heat things up depends on two things. One is the proper seating of the glow plug base in it's socket. Some people find this difficult, for others it just snaps in.

The other part of the path (the one that I find ridiculous) is the tab on the side that maintains contact with the exterior shell of the glow plug. It's purely a friction thing and if the contact there is poor or nonexistent it won't allow the tip of the glow plug heat up and do its thing.

Placing a hose clap around this tab firmly holds the nub that is riding on the exterior of the glow plug (completing the path for current flow) enhancing it's connection and keeping it firmly connected through all of the temperature expansion and contraction that I'm sure this area undergoes.

There, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. As always, your milage may vary. Cook on!

I 100% agree.

 

[Jayjay1976]

My EX6 was delivered earlier today, I ended up throwing a hose clamp on the glow plug since I happened to have a small one handy. Dunno whether the two spares Weber included is intended to inspire confidence or doubt.

 

[Goneincognito]

My EX6 was delivered earlier today, I ended up throwing a hose clamp on the glow plug since I happened to have a small one handy. Dunno whether the two spares Weber included is intended to inspire confidence or doubt.

It's cheap and easy insurance so it's worth doing.

 

[JpsBBQ]

It's cheap and easy insurance so it's worth doing.

I just put two on mine. I’m set.

 

[Goneincognito]

I just put two on mine. I’m set.

See... You are coming around.

 

[Differentdrummer]

Is there a pic somewhere of that hose clamp setup?

It is using a small clamp on tbe ground tang that the squared off (nut) sits under as a grounding point.

My EX6 was delivered earlier today, I ended up throwing a hose clamp on the glow plug since I happened to have a small one handy. Dunno whether the two spares Weber included is intended to inspire confidence or doubt.

Heard. I wish they’d put the EXPORT (only) GBS grates in US models instead?!

 

[SmokeMaster43]

The only issue I had with a glow plug was my first. I had a grease fire that burned it up then when I went to remove it, it broke off in the adapter and couldn't get the rest of the plug out. Had to order a replacement adapter but my current plug has been going strong for a year.

 

[Dassman5]

I have had the original glow plug in my ex4 since June of 2020, with over 150 cooks.

Glow plugs seldom, if ever, fail from heat generated in the environment where they reside ( think about their use in Diesel engines where they remain plugged-in even when not in use).

While most have a life-cycle expectation (no different than with spark plugs) the most common cause of failure in these high current (amperage), low voltage, DC heating elements is due to failure in the wiring circuit to and from the transformer: Third party assembly, incorrect self-assembly assembly, and Weber’s design flaw between the glow plug and plug holder by making it owner-friendly to replace are the major culprits.

Compare the design and installation in the threaded block of any Diesel engine to Weber’s offering and you will see the difference.

 

[richfleek]

I was thinking about the short life expectancy of the glow plug and whether it might last longer if it could be retracted from the burn cup once the pellets are lit. This is assuming that the prolonged exposure to flames is what causes them to fail. Anyone here know specifically about the failure mode of a dead plug?

I'm imagining a lever or knob protruding from the rear or side of the electronics housing that can be actuated to retract the plug just far enough that it isn't directly in the fire.

I have the OG SmokeFire, bought it when it first came out. Still using the same glow plug