Somewhat off-beat and embarassing glow plug question
 

So, my sister came up to me earlier today and showed me that she found the brand-new Bosch Duraterm glow plug that I lost six months ago -- it was in a flowerpot, soaked (yes, I'm absent-minded). My question is, can I still use the glow plug? The threads have rust, but the rest of it looks good.

I don't see any reason the glowplug shouldn't work. Personally I would keep it as a spare now.

If you use it, soak the threads in something (CLR, vinegar, etc.) to remove the rust, then apply some anti-seize to the threads before you install it. And make sure it's 100 percent free of dirt or grit.

In a flowerpot? Really? Were you trying to grow more :D?

it all depends on how bad the rust is.
first thing I'd do is ohm the plug to see if for some odd reason the water killed the element, if it checked out at around .6 ohms, I'd soak the threads in the rust remover, and brush all traces of rust off the plug, and polish the threads well with a wire brush.
one of the bad things on glow plugs is seized threads... starting out with rust pits is not a good sign.
anti-seize can help this, but if the rust is bad, the plug can really wreak havoc with the head.

...
they are only $11 new...

I'd put 12 volts to it and confirm it's operation, clean up the threads and put it in the glove compartment.

..not off-beat ..consistent
for a guy who puts mulchers in his sig :P


1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbo Diesel
2004 Toyota Corolla LE 5-Speed
1998 Craftsman 20" Mulcher
Craftsman 22" Self-Propelled Mulcher (Age unknown, newer than the other one)

obviously a gardener

glow plug, grow plug - nearly the same thing!

Oh, and congrats -- I see you had a bumper crop!

i wouldn't do it. Too risky to have it seize. As previously mentioned, keep it as a spare and get a new one.