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Glowplug, Installation of the carburetor – O.S. Engines 12XZ Speed Spec II User Manual

Page 8

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14

GLOWPLUG

The role of the glowplug

Glowplug life

Particularly in the case of very high performance
engines, glowplugs must be regarded as expendable
items. However, plug life can be extended and engine
performance maintained by careful use, i.e.:

Install a plug suitable for the engine.
Use fuel containing a moderate percentage of
nitromethane unless more is essential for racing events.
Do not run the engine too lean and do not leave the
battery connected while adjusting the needle.

With a glowplug engine, ignition is initiated by the
application of a 1.5-volt power source. When the
battery is disconnected, the heat retained within the
combustion chamber remains sufficient to keep the
plug filament glowing, thereby continuing to keep the
engine running. Ignition timing is 'automatic' : under
reduced load, allowing higher rpm, the plug becomes
hotter and, appropriately, fires the fuel/air charge
earlier; conversely, at reduced rpm, the plug become
cooler and ignition is retarded.

Apart from when actually burned out, a plug may
need to be replaced because it no longer delivers its
best performance, such as when:

When to replace the glowplug

Filament surface has roughened and turned white.
Filament coil has become distorted.
Foreign matter has adhered to filament or plug
body has corroded.
Engine tends to cut out when idling.
Starting qualities deteriorate.

Since the compatibility of the glowplug
and fuel may have a marked effect on
performance and reliability, it is suggested
to use the O.S. RP6 plug when it is
necessary to replace. Carefully install
plug finger-tight, before final tightening
with the correct size plug wrench.

15

INSTALLATION OF THE CARBURETOR

As delivered, the engine has its carburetor lightly
installed in the intake boss. Secure it as follows.

Loosen the retainer screw, rotate the
carburetor to its correct position and make
sure that it is pressed well down into the
intake boss, compressing the rubber gasket,
before retightening screw.

1.

2.

Rotate the retainer nut

gently until it stops.

Tighten a further

120-180

Rotate the retainer screw gently until it
stops, then tighten a further 120-180 .
Do not overtighten the screw as this will
damage the thermo insulator.

Note
Be careful not to damage the O rings when
removing the carburetor retainer from the
engine.
First, remove the retainer Retaining screw,
then pull out each part. Do not push the
part in or damage the O rings.

Retaining Screw

"O" Ring

"O" Ring