To clean or not to clean spark plugs??

[HDETERS]

Has anyone had any luck with cleaning plugs instead of just replacing them? What do you do to get them clean?

[Nikon Man]

Your gonna get many different answers on this one. Obviously, "NEW" is always better, but in the case of cleaning plugs, I've done it with great success using Carb Spray Cleaner and a spark plug cleaner hooked to my compressor that uses an abrasive to clean the plug, Then a final spray with the carb cleaner again and blow dry. Now would I do this on my high dollar boat motors, no (all though some may with great success), but I do use it on all my other 2 stroke motors without issue.

[HDETERS]

Thanks. The plugs are not too expensive just curious to see if it was worth while.

[JAZII]

Your plugs at most are $4.00 dollars.
I would not waste my time cleaning them.

JAZII

[HDETERS]

I retired about 1.5 yrs ago and look for things to do at times. Just didnt know if there was any use in cleaning them.

[Nikon Man]

Hans,
In your case seeing that your now on a tight budget being retired I understand the reason for the question. I'd look at it this way, try it, the most you'll be out is $20 for the plug cleaner and $3 for a spray can of Carb Cleaner. It does work but if you do decide to use that method the most important thing to remember is spray it with carb cleaner and use compressed air to blow out the electrode area real good.

Best of luck in which ever direction you may go............

[HDETERS]

Where do you get the plug cleaner??

[Nikon Man]

Harbor Freight, right now it's on sale for $10, here's the link;

http://www.harborfreight.com/c...eaner

[EuropeanAM]

I DO NOT recommend using an abrasive plug cleaner on spark plugs.

There is a possibility that grains of the abrasive material can become lodged in the plug, and later come loose INSIDE your engine.

You wouldn't pour sand into your engine, would you?

[bigbasser54]

I have soaked mine in seafoam for a couple hours and just wiped off the carbon I could with a rag, not sure if it made any difference though. I think new is better in this case plugs are a wearable part.

[HDETERS]

How is the vacation Don? Hope all is well. I sure wouldnt pour sand in the engine, point well taken. I am going to just go with new plugs. They dont cost that much anyway. Going to run today to get the cocktail run thru the engine. Purchased enough to treat all the fuel I run for now on. Thanks.

[EuropeanAM]

Vacation went very well.... thanks for asking. Rode the "wing" out to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Area.

Chemical cleaning (Power Tune, Carb Cleaner, etc.) is usually safe.... but you're definitely right, a new set of plugs is a SAFE decision.

[HDETERS]

Well, I took the boat out on the river for a nice run yesterday. I put in the cocktail and filled up with Shell gas. When I put in, I noticed the engine had a sneeze to it at idle, then very sluggish out of the hole, then only 4k wot. Figured it was a fouled plug due to all the idle time I have. Ran a couple of miles with no change in rpm. Stopped and took off the cowling to see if a plug wire was off (engine was just at the shop to get checked over) and found that one of the weather proof connectors on the port side of the engine was off. Seems like there are three of these located around where the spark plugs are. I plugged it in, fired up and everything worked great. Ran 20-30 miles with no problems. My question would be, not knowing what that wire went to, could I have damaged the engine due to lack of lube or anything?? No warning lights or horns ever went off.

[EuropeanAM]

Sounds like it may have been one of your CDM's (ignition coil.... the spark plug wires run from these to the spark plugs).

If so, unlikely that any damage occurred.

Good find!

[HDETERS]

Thanks, when I get back home I will pull the cowl off and see if the plug wire runs from there.

Thanks