How to clean Spark Plug?

Question

Saw the tip and conductor of spark plug black. Should I use wire brush and rub the tip and conductor to the point of the metal being visible? Or it can damage the plug?
I'm not getting good gas mileage on my car, would cleaning spark plug in proper way help?

Answer 1

These are expensive platinum plugs.

You can't clean them without damaging the platinum.

If they are black, there is a problem with your fuel delivery system that should be checked out by a mechanic.

This is usually covered by warranty.

Take it to your dealer and tell them about the color of your plugs.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

How to clean Spark Plug?

Saw the tip and conductor of spark plug black. Should I use wire brush and rub the tip and conductor to the point of the metal being visible? Or it can damage the plug?

I'm not getting good gas mileage on my car, would cleaning spark plug in proper way help?

Answer 3

Here is how I do it:

1 Use a fine wire brush wheel to clean off the threaded portion of spark plug, the face that sits inside the cylinder, and the overhanging ground electrode. Do not allow the wire brush to contact any part of the ceramic insulator surrounding the center electrode. (you do not want any metal particles to be left on that insulator).



A Dremel tool with a small cup brush is ideal for this.



2 Fold a small piece of 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper over a .025” blade and insert between center electrode and overhanging ground electrode. Move back & forth to clean off the two electrode surfaces.



3 Immerse the plug ends into Sea Foam Engine Treatment to loosen up oil & carbon deposits. Let soak for 15-20 minutes.



4 Remove the plugs from the Sea Foam and wipe clean with a fresh paper towel.



5 Cut a 2” section of pipe cleaner (the kind pipe smokers use) and use that to dig out any crud & deposits all around between the inside of the threaded metal body and the ceramic insulator. Repeat with a fresh piece of pipe cleaner until it comes out clean.



6 Blow out the cavity between the spark plug body and the ceramic insulator around the center electrode.



7 Check the gap setting to clear a .030” (or whatever your setting is) gauge wire and to not pass a .032” gauge wire.



Do not use a sandblaster as some recommend - it will leave the ceramic porous and more prone to foul.

Answer 4

the best answer i can give you is go buy new plugs and make sure there is no oil on the plugs if there is go buy a valve cover gasket set and change out the seals there. If you are fouling out plugs then you are going to get terrible gas milage. Oh and avoid ac delco plugs.... i cant think at the moment what they are called something like denzo "brain fart" anyway go with those if avabile... good plugs good luck. Make sure they are gapped correctly

Answer 5

i recommend a nail file and be sure to check the gap a match book folded is the old school way also use qtip to clean wird and spark plug hole making sure there is no oil in it lightly wire brush the threads not the flint

Answer 6

If your plugs are fouled you should try to get to the bottom of what is causing it. Is your car fuel injected or carbureted? How many miles do you have on the plugs? Are they platinum?

Answer 7

Wire Brush will work (Small) but yes If done wrong it will damage the Plugs. Best is what we call a Small Dimond File or Sand Blast them.

Answer 8

a simple solution would be to buy new plugs

Answer 9

Emery Board (nail file) gently should get the black off. Do these one at a time, putting them back EXACTLY as you found them. If you mix them up, you're in trouble. Yes to the second. Also try getting a new air filter.

Answer 10

use a light sandpaper and gasoline