Glow Plug: Some diesel engines use an electric heater called glow plug inside the cylinders to heat the intake air and help ignite fuel: air mixture. Glow plug is an aid for cold starting of a C.I. engine. Modern glow plugs heat to required temp in just 4 seconds.
Purpose of using a Glow Plug: The self-ignition temperature of diesel is @ 200°C. For compression ignition, the charge (air + diesel) should reach a temperature of about 550°C. Cold weather conditions make it difficult to happen. So, a glow plug is used in C.I. Engines. The glow plug heats to starting temperature (approx. 850°C) as rapidly as possible.
Location of Glow Plug: In Pre-chamber engine, glow plugs are installed which extend into the secondary chamber. On D.I engines, the glow element extends into the main combustion chamber.