Cleaning Spark Plugs

[G_lo]

Hey guys I recently put four new NGK platinum spark plugs in my car. 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2.4L auto. (just bought it last week.) The next day, I did some more maintenance and cleaned the throttle body with Carb Cleaning Spray but, I think I used too much and got some into the system cause the car smoked and rattled like crazy for about a minute after I turned it on. After it went back to normal, the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. When my friend used his code reader on it, it indicated (Bad Spark Plug No. 4) So, I figured the plug was defective from the factory, since it was new. Well when I pulled it out, it was all fouled/dirty just like the old ones I had replaced the day before. I went to exchange it for a new one and the guy at Napa was ok with it. Now I made the connection that it was probably a good plug and the Carb cleaner burning fouled it up to the point of failure. Also, I'm thinking that the other three are probably all dirty too. They probably aren't as bad as #4 was but I'm thinking I should pull them out anyways and clean them rather than buying new ones since they probably won't believe me that all four could have been faulty. So, what could I clean them with and not damage them? They are platinum $. I was thinking Carb cleaner and a toothbrush, just as long as I let them dry out really well before putting them back in. Or, should I just buy three new plugs? Let me know what you think ok.

Thanks.

 

[Quest]

So long as the electrodes aren't shorted out, the best way to clean platinum plugs is to take them down for a highway drive (sufficiently hot for an extended period of time).

No need to scrub them (never!!) or physically manipulate them, just drive to bring them up to their self-cleaning temp range.

Q.

 

[alreadygone]

Quest is dead on target.

Bob

 

[Turk]

Just like Quest said.

Also, kick 'er down once & a while and let it rev up in 1st or 2nd gear - that'll blow the stuff out.

Just take a quick glance in your rear view mirror the 1st time you get high RPM's and you'll see what I mean...

 

[Papa Bear]

Italian tune-up..

 

[TBJ]

Wow I just learned something

 

[Donald]

People with boats who fog the engines for the winter are told to fire up the boat in spring with old plugs to burn off the fogging oil, then change plugs. The problem is a trace carbon line from burning the oil that can cause problems. Its remote, but can be there. It does not go away with running the engine.

 

[mikeg5]

yeah and atvs that sit for a long time too or that get flooded out.. as for daily drivers, you should never have to clean the spark plugs ever

 

[ex_MGB]

PS - Never use Carb Cleaner in a fuel injected car. It needs to say "Throttle Body" cleaner and "will not damage O2 sensors".

Some cars, like my '97 Maxima, have a thin clear plastic liner in the throttle body at the butterfly valve. This makes a good seal so you get a good idle. Carb cleaner will dissolve the plastic and you'll never get smooth idle again.

I clean the throttle body with the throttle body cleaner and a clean, soft cotton shop towel (those gold ones at AutoZone). 148k miles on the Max and runs perfect, but does need new shocks :0