i always replaced my plugs with a new set but of late i noticed that the plugs were not worn and could probably just do with a clean so lets here your chosen method.
spark plug cleaning
Started by
TerrA LX
, Sep 20 2006 09:42 PM
20 replies to this topic
#1
TerrA LX
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Posted 20 September 2006 - 09:42 PM
#3
tinkers
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Posted 20 September 2006 - 11:25 PM
I just use sand paper
#4
_devilsadvocate_
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 02:55 AM
For consideration: a text I have here describes how the voltage required to make a spark occur on a given plug depends on their condition(test supposedly done by a plug manufacturer):
new 7.5kV
used 9kV
abrasive cleaned 11kV
file cleaned 8kV
which suggests that not cleaning them at all is better than using sand paper etc.
Unless you are measuring the voltages on a scope analyser, it will be hard to know whether what you are doing is improving things or not, certainly if the plug is fouled youll be improving things, but if its in relatively good nick, may be best to leave it alone or putting in new ones(but this is from the plug manufacturer!)
Certainly when the edges of the centre electrode and ridges of the outer electrode are most defined(when new) the spark will jump more easily.
The manufacturers also will tell you to replace them every 20000km regardless, however, Im flying in the face of this and havent replaced any plugs in my 3ucs since any of them have been converted to lpg, they have all done 100000km + on lpg and no probs with ignition .......yet........perhaps if put them on a scope Id see if there was any performance differences.
new 7.5kV
used 9kV
abrasive cleaned 11kV
file cleaned 8kV
which suggests that not cleaning them at all is better than using sand paper etc.
Unless you are measuring the voltages on a scope analyser, it will be hard to know whether what you are doing is improving things or not, certainly if the plug is fouled youll be improving things, but if its in relatively good nick, may be best to leave it alone or putting in new ones(but this is from the plug manufacturer!)
Certainly when the edges of the centre electrode and ridges of the outer electrode are most defined(when new) the spark will jump more easily.
The manufacturers also will tell you to replace them every 20000km regardless, however, Im flying in the face of this and havent replaced any plugs in my 3ucs since any of them have been converted to lpg, they have all done 100000km + on lpg and no probs with ignition .......yet........perhaps if put them on a scope Id see if there was any performance differences.
Edited by devilsadvocate, 21 September 2006 - 03:01 AM.
#5
warrenm
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 08:30 AM
Don't clean them on the wire buff, you leave metal deposits on the ceramic insulator which allows the insulator to conduct electricity. Abrasive blaster is the go.
#6
TerrA LX
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 07:15 PM
ive been using the lil sand blaster made for the job but as devils stated i may not be doing myself justice.
it definatly makes a difference cleaning/replacing them tho as the performance seems to drop off and the motor is more fresher after a new set is installed.
it definatly makes a difference cleaning/replacing them tho as the performance seems to drop off and the motor is more fresher after a new set is installed.
#8
TerrA LX
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 08:43 PM
^ ???
#9
Tiny
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 08:57 PM
HAHAH high revs will clean em out i think rory is saying!!
I always wire buffed old plugs.. but having read DA's comments i might be doing the wrong thing!!
I always wire buffed old plugs.. but having read DA's comments i might be doing the wrong thing!!
#10
TerrA LX
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 09:04 PM
^ Yeah, got it, but im talking bout carbon etc not fowling etc.
#11
_LHoon_
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 10:03 PM
I just clean them with a soft rag using avgas, thinners or brake cleaner. Works a treat! Avgas seemed to work surprisingly well!!
#12
_LX8VD69_
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 10:29 PM
avgas, is there any thing it cant do 
i love the stuff
i love the stuff
#13
rodomo
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 10:58 PM
Soak them in thinners o/nite. Thinners removes carbon. Good for soaking carbies and metal pcv valves too.
Edited by rodomo, 21 September 2006 - 11:00 PM.
#14
TerrA LX
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 11:00 PM
^ sweet will do.
does avgas do as good as or better job?
does avgas do as good as or better job?
#15
rodomo
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Posted 22 September 2006 - 12:12 AM
Sorry I don't drive a plane so I don't know. Had a go at painting a car or 2 though and have always got thinners in the shed. 
#16
_Keithy's_UC_
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Posted 22 September 2006 - 01:21 AM
I just whip out the trusty old Oral B toothbrush (not the same one i use for my teeth) and some metho or degreaser!! Seems to work fine for mine! I have only replaced the plugs in my 179 once in 10 000km and that was because the other ones were crap! I've only ever needed to clean them once running on 98 Octane, but im sure running on a really high octane fuel or avgas/octane booster would be of benefit without even removing the plugs at all!! Cleaner burn is a better burn!!
Cheers
Keith
Cheers
Keith
#17
_torana_
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Posted 22 September 2006 - 07:13 AM
toothbrush and some petrol works for me.
cheers julian
cheers julian
#18
_hrt1and2_
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Posted 22 September 2006 - 11:47 AM
At school in engine tech, we tipped a lil bit of petrol in the bottom light it up, and let it burn, got rid of all the hairs, particals and crap. You might wanna stand behind ur shed door just incase.
#19
_jklumpp_
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Posted 26 September 2006 - 07:01 PM
squirting a bit of carby cleaner on them works for me!
Used to do the wire brush thing, until reading about the metal deposits as mentioned above...
Used to do the wire brush thing, until reading about the metal deposits as mentioned above...
#20
_timbotorrie_
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Posted 26 September 2006 - 09:37 PM
if there dirty/carboned up i just buy a new set, only 20 odd bucks for NGKs in my 308, cheap in my books and you always know that there is going to be max KVs sparking
#21
_devilsadvocate_
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Posted 27 September 2006 - 01:16 AM
small point.........the idea is to get the spark to jump with min kV.always know that there is going to be max KVs sparking
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