Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Brad · 10-10-2006, 02:11 AM

I recently bought a new 1403 carb and want to make sure everythings adjusted right for my engine. However, my sparklers are fairly new and being the cheapskate I am, I want to clean them and put them back in to gauge if I'm running rich or lean. Is there any way to effectively clean a spark plug in order to do this or do I have to buy brand new ones?

Aarons72s · 10-10-2006, 02:15 AM

Cheap way I just spray on carb cleaner and a brass wire brush. Done that a few times other than that buy new plugs.
Aaron

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 10-10-2006, 02:33 AM

AAron's right, but sometimes you might also want to dress the center electrode with a very thin ignition file taking off just a little metal to get a clean surface. (This doesn't work w/ platinum, I'm told) Make sure your gaps are perfect. Check the threads for signs of crossthreading.

junkyardjohn · 10-10-2006, 05:20 AM

WELL... BACK IN THE OLDEN DAYS (I'M TALKIN 35 YEARS AGO) WE USED TO SAND BLAST THEM. A GAS STATION NEAR ME (YES THEY DID MORE THAN JUST PUMP GAS & SELL SODAS) HAD A LITTLE FIXTURE' WITH A SMALL BAG OF SAND ON IT THAT YOU PLUGGED INTO AN AIRLINE & SCREWED A SPARK PLUG INTO. IT WOULD BLAST THE ELECTRODE END CLEAN.

JOHN

cdowns · 10-10-2006, 06:48 AM

i've still got my little sparplug blaster that i got from jcwhitney its a handy little tool/ i think they may still sell them??

mbgmike · 10-10-2006, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

i've still got my little sparplug blaster that i got from jcwhitney its a handy little tool/ i think they may still sell them??

they are still sold

TruckinDaddy · 10-10-2006, 09:22 AM

I bought one for less than $10 at Harbor Freight last year.

70short · 10-10-2006, 12:41 PM

I also bought one from Harbor Freight for under $10. It is A handy tool for around the shop!

Gary

71SWBChevy · 10-10-2006, 12:45 PM

So is it ok to sandblast a plug like that? It won't hurt it? Our lawnmower is really bad about fouling plugs so that might be something that would be nice to have. But currently just use the bench grinder with a wire wheel on it, works alot faster than the hand brush.

Orange · 10-10-2006, 03:42 PM

I was thinking - uh-oh - he's fouled a plug somewhere and can't get one of the same. Happened to me one time. I have to run the shorty header plugs, and there weren't any readily available at midnite...

I just had to run the hound out of it to get it hot - it "unfouled" luckily.

Riding ATV's/dirtbikes you foul a lot of plugs - our method was always the same. Find a woman with a finger nail file and go town. Hey - it'd get you back on the trail. Then we all looked like a bunch of manicurist with our fingernail files on the trails.

I suppose my response isn't respected well.

Not the best way to do it, I know.

Longhorn Man · 10-10-2006, 07:14 PM

Just make sure you clean the plug out real good... don't want sand to fall down into the engine.

BarryB · 10-10-2006, 08:10 PM

Hey just a little word to the wise. I bought my spark plug blaster from Harbour freight also. Works great by the way. What I was wanting to say is, They don't use sand as an abrasive. I believe it is aluminum Oxide.when I purchased mine it came with a small bag of this stuff. But still like Longhorn Man said you should use an air nozzle and blow it out before you put back your motor.

crm318 · 10-10-2006, 08:12 PM

just this past weekend, i cleaned a set of plugs with the gel aircraft paint remover on them. it ate every bit of oil and carbon off and they looked brand new.

Longhorn Man · 10-10-2006, 11:39 PM

Now, with all this said... I generally don't bother. Plugs are what... a buck and a half each? if I'm gonna go through the hassle of removing plugs... I generally screw new ones in.

ERASER5 · 10-11-2006, 12:10 AM

New plugs are best. No doubt. On the other hand, those little sand blasters are quite handy for lawn mowers, weed eaters, and the like. If you already have a spark plug blaster, use it. If you have never used one, the blaster has a two position switch. One way blasts the plug with media and the other way blows it off. The plug should come out very clean.

hogrocket · 10-11-2006, 02:04 AM

I've always just ran them through the wire wheel mounted to a chuck of my drill press. Works quickly and leaves the electrode looking like new.

Brad · 10-11-2006, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Now, with all this said... I generally don't bother. Plugs are what... a buck and a half each? if I'm gonna go through the hassle of removing plugs... I generally screw new ones in.

Yes, after I wrote this I came to the same conclusion and figured that once I have my carb adjusted correctly and can make sure using the new plugs, I can clean the electrode off the old ones(if a bit yucky) and throw them in again knowing that everything is good to go. Besides, I only have to buy 6 anyway!

Thank you all for your suggestions!

10-10-2006, 02:11 AM	#1
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? I recently bought a new 1403 carb and want to make sure everythings adjusted right for my engine. However, my sparklers are fairly new and being the cheapskate I am, I want to clean them and put them back in to gauge if I'm running rich or lean. Is there any way to effectively clean a spark plug in order to do this or do I have to buy brand new ones? __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

10-10-2006, 02:15 AM	#2
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,670	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? Cheap way I just spray on carb cleaner and a brass wire brush. Done that a few times other than that buy new plugs. Aaron

10-10-2006, 02:33 AM	#3
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,448	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? AAron's right, but sometimes you might also want to dress the center electrode with a very thin ignition file taking off just a little metal to get a clean surface. (This doesn't work w/ platinum, I'm told) Make sure your gaps are perfect. Check the threads for signs of crossthreading. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 10-10-2006 at 04:56 PM. Reason: dyslexia

10-10-2006, 05:20 AM	#4
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? WELL... BACK IN THE OLDEN DAYS (I'M TALKIN 35 YEARS AGO) WE USED TO SAND BLAST THEM. A GAS STATION NEAR ME (YES THEY DID MORE THAN JUST PUMP GAS & SELL SODAS) HAD A LITTLE FIXTURE' WITH A SMALL BAG OF SAND ON IT THAT YOU PLUGGED INTO AN AIRLINE & SCREWED A SPARK PLUG INTO. IT WOULD BLAST THE ELECTRODE END CLEAN. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-10-2006, 06:48 AM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? i've still got my little sparplug blaster that i got from jcwhitney its a handy little tool/ i think they may still sell them?? __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-10-2006, 09:22 AM	#7
TruckinDaddy What's that funky smell? Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 610	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? I bought one for less than $10 at Harbor Freight last year. __________________ Mike S 68 C10 Long Step (Pretending to be a Long Fleetside) Grandpa's Farm Truck 3 on the tree, 307, No power brakes or steering Factory Options - HD rear spring and Ammeter/Oil Gauges My truck blog My Car Domain page

10-10-2006, 12:41 PM	#8
70short Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Boise ID Posts: 609	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? I also bought one from Harbor Freight for under $10. It is A handy tool for around the shop! Gary __________________ "72" Red CORVETTE 4-speed 350 "70" Chevy Short Bed early stages of resto. Edel 600 cfm carb Weiand Stealth Intake HEI shorty Headers 4/2 Drop 295 50R 15 TOYO on 10 inch wide corvette rally rims at all 4 corners. "CHEVY RULES"

10-10-2006, 12:45 PM	#9
71SWBChevy Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Owensboro KY Posts: 11,905	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? So is it ok to sandblast a plug like that? It won't hurt it? Our lawnmower is really bad about fouling plugs so that might be something that would be nice to have. But currently just use the bench grinder with a wire wheel on it, works alot faster than the hand brush. __________________ Drew '71 Chevy 350/TH350 Hugger Orange Currently just a rolling frame, body work soon to follow!!! Check out my Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212927 Daily Driver: 1997 Chevrolet S-10 with more gears than pistons

10-10-2006, 03:42 PM	#10
Orange Licensed to Thrill! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Northwest, GA Posts: 1,673	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? I was thinking - uh-oh - he's fouled a plug somewhere and can't get one of the same. Happened to me one time. I have to run the shorty header plugs, and there weren't any readily available at midnite... I just had to run the hound out of it to get it hot - it "unfouled" luckily. Riding ATV's/dirtbikes you foul a lot of plugs - our method was always the same. Find a woman with a finger nail file and go town. Hey - it'd get you back on the trail. Then we all looked like a bunch of manicurist with our fingernail files on the trails. I suppose my response isn't respected well. Not the best way to do it, I know. __________________ 1971 GMC.Lowered. Overdrive. Orange. Krue's excellent FAQ Index.

10-10-2006, 07:14 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? Just make sure you clean the plug out real good... don't want sand to fall down into the engine.

10-10-2006, 08:10 PM	#12
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? Hey just a little word to the wise. I bought my spark plug blaster from Harbour freight also. Works great by the way. What I was wanting to say is, They don't use sand as an abrasive. I believe it is aluminum Oxide.when I purchased mine it came with a small bag of this stuff. But still like Longhorn Man said you should use an air nozzle and blow it out before you put back your motor.

10-10-2006, 08:12 PM	#13
crm318 Alright Alright Alright Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Midland, Texas Posts: 1,672	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? just this past weekend, i cleaned a set of plugs with the gel aircraft paint remover on them. it ate every bit of oil and carbon off and they looked brand new. __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Chevrolet red and white 357ci, Vortec heads, GM Performance high rise intake, Comp 268H .454/.454 218/218 110 LSA Quadrajet carb, Flowtech headers, 2.25 40 series HEI, Curve kit, TH 350, 3.07 gears 275/60/15s on 15x8 rallies

10-10-2006, 11:39 PM	#14
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? Now, with all this said... I generally don't bother. Plugs are what... a buck and a half each? if I'm gonna go through the hassle of removing plugs... I generally screw new ones in.

10-11-2006, 12:10 AM	#15
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? New plugs are best. No doubt. On the other hand, those little sand blasters are quite handy for lawn mowers, weed eaters, and the like. If you already have a spark plug blaster, use it. If you have never used one, the blaster has a two position switch. One way blasts the plug with media and the other way blows it off. The plug should come out very clean. __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

10-11-2006, 02:04 AM	#16
hogrocket Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 100	Re: Is there any good way to clean spark plugs? I've always just ran them through the wire wheel mounted to a chuck of my drill press. Works quickly and leaves the electrode looking like new.



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