Cleaning Spark Plugs

[ShortBuSX]

Sorry if this has been covered, I did try the search feature.

Ive got about 4 or 5 sets of perfectly good spark plugs that I have been experimenting with(different heat ranges as well as electrodes and brands)...all the plugs still look good, but Id like to clean them up and make the ground strap/electrode look/work like new...so what can I use to do this safely without damaging the plug?

 

[punisher]

I have used two different plug cleaners, one is air powered, the other was electric. Basically they throw grit/alumina against the plugs at high velocity and it knocks off any deposits. The air powered ones work great. Its like having a portable sand blaster just for your plugs.

 

[ShortBuSX]

...for the shade tree mechanic.

 

[andyd]

no experience with either. I do know that Briggs and Stratton will not honor warranty if a sand blasted plug was used in their engines. I just use a wire brush. Mostly I buy new plugs every once in a while.

 

[mechtech]

A wire brush is the WORST way to clean a spark plug [unless they're shooting at you].
The metal will impregnate the ceramic, and cause misfiring.

 

[Kestas]

I've been grit blasting all my plugs for decades... saved lots of money on new plugs. I'm careful to make sure all grit is removed from the crevices next to the ceramic before putting them back in service.

 

[ShortBuSX]

So brake cleaner and throttle body cleaner is out of the question? Acetone? I mean come...there isnt some chemical thats going to be safe and effective?

 

[Ken4]

I use carb cleaner and a toothbrush. The carb cleaner is pretty strong, so I wear latex gloves. Work fast cos the toothbrush will start melting.

 

[labman]

I haven't cleaned a spark plug since I was a kid. Even then, I could find AC's for about a buck. Knock off a little for the new washer most plugs require, and it just isn't worth the bother. Pitch them.

 

[ShortBuSX]

Yeah, some of them at $8 a plug and only 5000 miles at the most on them??? No way am I pitching these! Thanks for the old school advice...but as I said Im lookin for ways to clean and reuse them

 

[JDP]

ya could check out the antique auctions. Seen quite a few spark plug sand blasters go thru shop liquidations from the 40's, 50's and 60's in recent years.......

Got any point files to sharpen the edges of the center and side electrodes before you reinstall the used pluggs......

JD

 

[y_p_w]

quote:

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Originally posted by ShortBuSX:
Yeah, some of them at $8 a plug and only 5000 miles at the most on them??? No way am I pitching these! Thanks for the old school advice...but as I said Im lookin for ways to clean and reuse them

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The only plugs that would cost $8 each are iridium and or platinum plugs. The platinum/iridium generally stay very clean. Attempts to clean them may damage the rather delicate (but extremely heat resistant) electrode materials.

A standard automotive plug shouldn't cost more than $3 tops.

 

[ShortBuSX]

Youre absolutely right, Iridium NGKs...and yes Im concerned about damaging them, now with that being covered...How can I SAFELY clean these low mileage plugs(being a consumer and not a shop mechanic).

 

[Drew99GT]

Who cares what they look like (unless they are massivly fouled or covered in oil) with only 5K on them. Your not going to gain anything by cleaning them I don't think. Throw um in and forget about it.