How To Clean Spark Plugs？

Spark plugs are important components in your engine. However, they become fouled with deposits over time, thus leading to engine misfires and reduced fuel economy. However, there are ways in which you can clean them and restore their power. Read on to discover how to clean spark plugs.

Methods Of Cleaning Spark Plugs

For you to effectively clean your spark plugs, you do not need prior experience because it’s as easy as anyone can do. Although there are various methods by which this mechanical cleaning process can be fulfilled. Once you have removed your spark plug from your engine, use one of the below methods:

Blow Torch

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use blow torch to clean your spark plugs:

Step 1: Grip the end of the spark plug that is attached to the ignition coil with pliers: Hold the plug firmly with a plier, but do not squeeze it to prevent damage.

Tips: Only use the plier as an extension of your hand.

Step 2: Press The Ignition button: After you have positioned the plug ignition side in front of the blow torch nozzle, create flames by raising the torch intensity.

Step 3: Remove Oil, Dirt, And Debris: The oil, dirt, and debris will automatically be removed from the spark plug when they are lightly touched. The heat will not cause any harm to the spark plug, so do not be scared that the plugs will break. In the process of doing this, you’ll see the spark plug end will start glowing red.

Step 4: Burn The Threaded Part Of The Plugs: Don’t be distracted as you burn the threaded part of the plugs with the torch. Be careful while at it for it does not burn anything else.

Tips: How long it’ll take to burn is based on how strong your blow torch is.

Step 5: Be Patient And Allow The Spark Plug to Cool Down: You must allow the spark plug to cool very well before you use it.

Tips: Be cautious while using the blow torch method and allow the spark plug to go back to its normal color(This signifies it’s cold).

Step 6: Remove The Spark Plug From The Blow Torch: Wait for at least five minutes before you reinstall the spark plugs. When re-installing, make sure that it’s cool and re-installed with the ignition coil or high-tension wire.

Spark Plug Cleaner Tool

Spark plug cleaner is another cleaning tool that is tested and trusted for you to efficiently clean your spark plugs. You can use this tool to sandblast the spark plugs, cleaning them with compressed air. Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Start by switching on the spark plug cleaner tool.

Step 2: Input your spark plug and select the sandblasting option.

Tips: You have to shake the cleaning tool so that all the carbon can be removed, make sure you shake the spark plug often.

Step 3: Now that you are done blasting, turn the machine to the air and blow off the debris on the plug.

Step 4: The next thing to do is to blow out the spark plugs with the air supply to avoid debris getting into the cylinder.

Carb Cleaning 

Carb cleaners are popular, you’ll find them in auto shops and online retail shops. Because you are not familiar with this spark plug cleaning method, you may question how it’s possible to clean a spark plug with a carb cleaner. See how you can below:

Step 1: Get the spark plug you want to clean and get a container to get the dirty solution.

Step 2: Get a wire brush and make the carb cleaner available.

Step 3: Spray and soak the spark plug with the carb cleaner in the container for like two to three hours. For better results, after soaking it inside the container for some time, remove the spark plug, dump the dirty solution, and resoak the spark plug.

Step 4: Use a wire brush to brush off the loosened carbon after soaking.

Tips: Carefully use the brush so that you won’t break the tip of your spark plug.

Step 5: Spray it with the carb cleaner for the carbons you brush off to fall off.

Step 6: Dry the spark plugs with a microfiber towel.

Step 7: Check them thoroughly and make sure they are free from any type of damage.

Wire Brush 

This method is simple and fast. All you have to do is to use wire brush to the debris that your spark plugs have contacted overtime. Here is how to go about it:

Step 1: Make your wire brush ready as well as the spark plug you want to clean.

Step 2: Brush the plug thoroughly including in-between the electrodes.

Step 3: At this stage, the next thing is to brush the threads of your spark plugs gently so that you can be sure it’s free from dirt.

Tips: It’s mostly recommended that you should always put on gloves when you are using a wire brush method to clean your spark plug for safety purposes.

File Cleaning

This process involves using a file to remove your spark plug carbon buildup. This process is more suitable for removing debris in case sandpaper does not work for you. See the simple steps below:

Step 1: Get your the file and the spark plug you want to clean ready.

Step 2: Gently slide the file back and forth across the spark plug body and the electrode.

SandPaper Cleaning 

220-grit grain sandpaper is suitable for cleaning the spark plug’s electrodes. The electrode is the tiny pole in the spark plug that you usually insert into your engine. This process entails using a piece of sandpaper to remove carbon, debris, or stains from the surface of the spark plug. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Get the spark plug you want to clean ready.

Step 2: Cut the sandpaper into smaller pieces for you to have a better grip on it.

Step 3: Use the sandpaper to scrub the surface of the spark plug’s electrode until you see the shining metal. Scrub it gently, do not put too much pressure.

Step 4: Now, you can use a tooth or any suitable brush to clean the spark plug.

Tips: It’s important to note that, you need to clean the spark plug’s electrodes until you can see the metal. Additionally, when you are using a sandpaper cleaning method, always use eye protection.

Ultrasonic Cleaning 

This method is also one of the easiest ways to clean your spark plugs. Although ultrasonic cleaners can be a bit costlier depending on your jurisdiction, it’s a good investment as it makes your cleaning jobs easier. Here is how to use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean your spark plugs:

Step 1: Fill your ultrasonic cleaner with your preferred liquid.

Step 2: Set the cleaning concentration that you prefer.

Step 3: Put the spark plugs you want to clean in the mix and give it sometime.

Tip: Usually 15 to 20 minutes at 50 degrees Celsius. The ultrasonic cleaner will remove the carbons on your spark plugs while you sit back and watch.

Step 4: Remove the spark plugs from the ultrasonic cleaner and allow them to cool and dry.

Step 5: Re-install the spark plugs.

Soda And Salt Cleaning 

Using soda and salt is another proven way to do wonders for your fouled spark plugs. Although this method will consume your time a bit based on how much carbon is built upon your spark plugs. However, see the step-by-step guide below:

Step 1: Get a container to put your spark plugs in.

Step 2: After putting your spark plug, pour the soda into the container until the spark plugs are submerged.

Step 3: Put a good amount of salt for you to get a better result.

Step 4: Let it soak for a reasonable amount of time.

Step 5: Lastly, brush the spark plugs gently with a wire brush.

Tips For Cleaning Spark Plug

When you clean your spark plugs, they will have a longer lifespan, thus leading to your optimal engine performance. Here are some tips for you to effectively clean your spark plugs.

• Wear safety glasses and turn off your engine ignition to prevent accidental start.
• Remove your spark plugs.
• Inspect your spark plug to make sure the insulator is in good condition, replace the spark plug if it’s not instead of cleaning it.
• Brush off loose debris with a softer brush or cloth.
• Use a spark plug cleaner for tougher deposits.
• Clean the electrode carefully because it’s a sensible part.
• Check the spark plug gaps and adjust them if need be after cleaning them.
• Re-install the spark plug by hand after cleaning to avoid cross-threading.
• After cleaning, if you find out that your spark plug is still old, replace them.

FAQs

Can I Clean An Old Spark Plug?

Yes, you can clean an old spark plug. Although, cleaning spark plugs is not worth it in most cases. For this reason, it’s not recommended for several reasons and one of them is that you cannot get the same performance of a new spark plug from a cleaned spark plug. The result is far different because electricity discharges more effectively from sharp edges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cleaning spark plugs is another way you can make them work as though you just buy them. When you follow either of the methods of how to clean spark plugs discussed in this article, your spark plugs lifespan will be longer and it will make your engine run smoothly.