Retractable glow plug mod?

[Jayjay1976]

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.

 

[rexster314]

Lots of people are still on their original glow plugs from 2020 release of the Smokefire. They've done the hose clamp mod on the glow plug holder or just let it ride stock. Some people have replaced the plugs because they've had a flameout but most of the time it's due to a pellet feed problem. I wouldn't put too much energy into the idea myself

 

[Goneincognito]

Short life expectancy?

 

[Differentdrummer]

Short life expectancy?

Weber had a run of “inferior” glow plugs early on. Not all were affected but early adopters saw a steep rise in failure. Weber responded by sending out some schwag AND spare (a new batch) plugs to registered members.
I picked my 4 up in June of 20. Original plug still in it. Used it at least once a week, all through Covid.
Keeping the burn pot free of residual (hardened an formed) ash at the grate where the plug comes through is all I have done.
Residual ash is becomes caustic when damp (lye) and therefore I try to prevent it from hanging around any of the mild steel which in turn helps the plug too?

 

[Bruno]

I’m on my first glow plug, no clamp nothing. I pushed the thing in as hard as I could and boom, 2 years plus later no issue.

 

[Jayjay1976]

Okay cool, guess I shouldn't fret over it. Thanks.

 

[JpsBBQ]

Glow plugs should last many years. Non issue. Cook away!

 

[ROCKEWEHARD]

Got my EX6 Gen2 in November 2020. As per the recommendations I put a hose clamp on it when I built it. 1.5yrs later I am still on the original glow plug and have never had an issue with it not lighting.

 

[Jayjay1976]

Got my EX6 Gen2 in November 2020. As per the recommendations I put a hose clamp on it when I built it. 1.5yrs later I am still on the original glow plug and have never had an issue with it not lighting.

Is there a pic somewhere of that hose clamp setup?

 

[JpsBBQ]

Is there a pic somewhere of that hose clamp setup?

Totally unnecessary imo. Just make sure it’s properly seated in place and it will be fine. It’s my belief that some people just didn’t get the plug seated and used a clamp to make sure it was making contact with its socket. I can see how they don’t get seated as it takes relatively significant force to get it seated. It snaps in place.

 

[Goneincognito]

Totally unnecessary imo. Just make sure it’s properly seated in place and it will be fine. It’s my belief that some people just didn’t get the plug seated and used a clamp to make sure it was making contact with its socket. I can see how they don’t get seated as it takes relatively significant force to get it seated. It snaps in place.

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[JpsBBQ]

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Well, I disagree.

I don’t put three covers on my grill either. Belt, suspenders, another belt and three more suspenders isn’t better, it’s just a waste of time and energy.

Do as you please but it’s not necessary and that is a fact. Just needs to be installed properly that’s all.

 

[Goneincognito]

Well, I disagree.

I don’t put three covers on my grill either. Belt, suspenders, another belt and three more suspenders isn’t better, it’s just a waste of time and energy.

Do as you please but it’s not necessary and that is a fact. Just needs to be installed properly that’s all.

Well, I disagree.

I don’t put three covers on my grill either. Belt, suspenders, another belt and three more suspenders isn’t better, it’s just a waste of time and energy.

Do as you please but it’s not necessary and that is a fact. Just needs to be installed properly that’s all.

Can't argue with that...

 

[Jayjay1976]

dunno why I was worried so about it, guess I realized my own glow plug is retractable, a fact that has kept me out of more than a few tight spots, and was feeling a bit exposed what with it rigidly mounted in a burn pot. Taking my ritalin now, thanks all for allaying my fears.

 

[Jayjay1976]

I don’t put three covers on my grill either.

Are we not doing three covers anymore?