Home workshop Spark Plug Cleaner
Discussion
Is there a recommendation for decent spark plug cleaner suitable for use in my workshop? I seem to remember years ago, units that were filled with some form of abrasive powder into which you could screw the plug and switched it on to do the job. Just wondered if there's something better than a piece of emery paper and a wire brush?
Something like this?
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/040817111/?da=1&am...
Personally, I woukd just buy new plugs
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/040817111/?da=1&am...
Personally, I woukd just buy new plugs
OK, as I asked the question without adding any detail here goes. I have a 1933 Lagonda. When it sits idling for any length of time soots (not oils) 2 or 3 of it's plugs. So, I carry a spare set on the bulkhead of the car so that if necessary I can swap them. Last time this happened was at Brooklands a couple of weekends ago when I had to sit ticking over waiting for my slot on the grid and also while queuing to get onto the start of the test hill (gratuitous photo opportunity). So, I now have spare plugs in the car that have only done about 50 miles, and a brand new set in the engine. Now I want to clean the 50 mile old ones to put in the plug holder ready for the next occasion I need to swap a few plugs. So... it's not a case of being "mean", I have plenty of "new" plugs but I want to keep them clean. 


p.s. The Gunson one looks ok but I then I will also need to buy a compressor. Suppose I could do with one of those!



p.s. The Gunson one looks ok but I then I will also need to buy a compressor. Suppose I could do with one of those!

This is a job my Dad described having to do at regular intervals on any long trip back in the forties. He would do it with a wire brush and I suspect that's the only effective way.
I tried one of those little portable 12V grit blaster things in the past and found it utterly useless and ineffective.
(On any modern engine I would view plugs as disposable and not worth cleaning, but I do see the logic of trying it here.)
I tried one of those little portable 12V grit blaster things in the past and found it utterly useless and ineffective.
(On any modern engine I would view plugs as disposable and not worth cleaning, but I do see the logic of trying it here.)
GreenV8S said:
(On any modern engine I would view plugs as disposable and not worth cleaning, but I do see the logic of trying it here.)
I guess I'll stick with the brass wire brush method Pete! I've just ordered 6 x hotter plugs and will experiment a bit with those. It's 2 of the 6 that soot up so I may try running hotter plugs in just those cylinders. A squirt of Carburetor cleaner works quite well on plugs.
I am not keen on blasting them... In the old days I always used to take a very careful look in the gap between the plug body and the insulator. quite often there would be grains of media stuck in there, definitely not good for the engine!
I am not keen on blasting them... In the old days I always used to take a very careful look in the gap between the plug body and the insulator. quite often there would be grains of media stuck in there, definitely not good for the engine!
Ultrasonic cleaner?
https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/jpl-ultra-7000s-ultraso...
Instead of water, some engine cleaner in there?
https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/jpl-ultra-7000s-ultraso...
Instead of water, some engine cleaner in there?
Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff