Home workshop Spark Plug Cleaner
Home workshop Spark Plug Cleaner
Author
Discussion

RichB

Original Poster:

54,328 posts

301 months

Sunday 3rd September 2017
quotequote all
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?

one eyed mick

1,189 posts

178 months

Monday 4th September 2017
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New plugs!!!!

RichB

Original Poster:

54,328 posts

301 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
Thanks, have a cigar...

cuprabob

17,047 posts

231 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
Something like this?
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/040817111/?da=1&am...

Personally, I woukd just buy new plugs

RichB

Original Poster:

54,328 posts

301 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
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. biggrin





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! scratchchin

cuprabob

17,047 posts

231 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
Thanks for the clarification which certainly puts a new perspective on it smile

RichB

Original Poster:

54,328 posts

301 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
cuprabob said:
Thanks for the clarification which certainly puts a new perspective on it smile
Yes, I guess I was being lazy on Sunday when I posted the question.

GreenV8S

30,956 posts

301 months

Monday 4th September 2017
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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.)

jeremyc

26,177 posts

301 months

Monday 4th September 2017
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How about a small Dremel with a wire brush attachment? Much the same as using a wire brush, but potentially slightly less effort. smile

I've never tried it mind you - I tend to clean by hand.

RichB

Original Poster:

54,328 posts

301 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
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.

GreenV8S

30,956 posts

301 months

Monday 4th September 2017
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Any scope to lean out the idle?

RichB

Original Poster:

54,328 posts

301 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
GreenV8S said:
Any scope to lean out the idle?
Another good point, it may indeed just be the front carb and yes they're SUs (no choke) so I could raise the jet a turn or so...

buzzer

3,594 posts

257 months

Monday 4th September 2017
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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!

PhillipM

6,537 posts

206 months

Monday 4th September 2017
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Mapp gas torch. If it needs more than that they're fked anyway.

Peanut Gallery

2,605 posts

127 months

Tuesday 5th September 2017
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Ultrasonic cleaner?

https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/jpl-ultra-7000s-ultraso...

Instead of water, some engine cleaner in there?