How Does a Glow Plug Function?
In its essence, a glow plug in a diesel engine warms up the combustion chamber prior to the fuel being ignited. This facilitates easier ignition of the fuel within the cylinder. In colder conditions, this process is particularly crucial because diesel fuel can be challenging to ignite when cold.
Unlike gasoline engines that use spark plugs for ignition, diesel engines rely on compressing the air to generate heat within the combustion chamber.
Glow Plugs vs Spark Plugs
Glow plugs and spark plugs are two distinct components that play different roles in various types of engines. Although they both aid in the ignition process, their functions differ significantly.
In gasoline engines, spark plugs are essential for producing a spark that triggers the combustion of the air and fuel mixture. This ignition event is crucial for the engine to function.
Conversely, glow plugs are utilized in diesel engines to warm up the combustion chamber. Unlike spark plugs, glow plugs do not directly initiate combustion. Instead, they facilitate the ignition of fuel within the chamber by generating heat.
When activated, a glow plug contains an electrode that heats up, causing the plug to emit a visible glow, hence its name. This glowing effect is akin to how an incandescent light bulb emits light when heated. The heat generated by the glow plug warms the cylinder, allowing for the successful ignition of diesel fuel.