How to Clean Spark Plugs

The spark plug is a critical component of your engine. It helps to ignite the air/fuel mixture by supplying voltage from an ignition coil to the central electrode that is electrically isolated from the ground electrode.

Clean the plugs regularly to prevent the buildup of carbon deposits and other contaminants that can impede the ignition process. It can also help your engine run more smoothly and efficiently.

Sandpaper

Sandpaper is an essential tool for many DIY projects. Painters, woodworkers, and even plumbers use it to smooth and shape their materials.

It’s also useful for cleaning, removing old paint, and polishing surfaces. There are many different types of sandpaper, each with a specific purpose.

The grit of sandpaper is measured by the size of the abrasive particles that are embedded in it. The Coated Abrasive Manufacturers Institute (CAMI) and the Federation of European Producers of Abrasives regulate sandpaper grit standards.

Generally, coarser sandpaper has a lower grit number. This indicates that the abrasive grains were sieved through screens with fewer holes than finer sandpaper, which has a higher number.

In general, coarser sandpaper removes material faster and more thoroughly. However, it may leave deep scratches that are difficult to remove.

File

The spark plug is an essential component of your engine. It has a metal shell attached to a central electrode by a porcelain insulator. It also has a wire connected to the ignition coil or magneto.

Cleaning the spark plug is one way to keep it in good condition. This will help it to work more efficiently and last longer.

If you have a lot of oil or gas buildup on the plug, using a file can be a good way to clean it. You can do this by sliding a file back and forth across the gap between the electrode and the plug body.

If you do this a few times, it should remove all the oil or fuel buildup. However, this is only a short-term solution. The plug will have to be replaced soon afterward. Getting a professional to do this job for you is a good idea. It will be cheaper and easier than having to do it yourself.

Wire Brush

A wire brush is an excellent tool for cleaning spark plugs. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and comes with a handle that’s shaped for control. It can be used to remove paint and rust and is available in several different materials for different jobs.

It can also clean the small metal electrode that sticks out from a spark plug. This can become blackened and harbor deposit buildup.

To clean it, slide 220-grit sandpaper under the electrode and then move it back and forward to loosen any deposits. You may need to repeat the process until you can see a clean metal surface.

Before using a wire brush to clean a spark plug, make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat. This will also help prevent any scratches that could damage the porcelain or electrode.

Check the Wires

The wires of a spark plug transmit the electricity that jumps from the ignition coil to the spark plug. Over time, the insulation on the wires can break down or corrode, leading to poor engine performance.

If you have access to an ohm meter, you can check the resistance of each spark plug wire to see if they meet the factory specifications. Set the meter to the appropriate scale (such as 50,000 ohms or more) and place one probe on each end of the wire.

For example, if you disconnect cylinder one’s spark plug wire and measure 25 ohms per foot, it indicates that the wire is too long and may be leaking or breaking down inside of the engine. If that’s the case, you’ll need to replace it.