& WebStep 5. Guide, Boat To safely clean a spark plug, you should use a wire brush or spray-on plug cleaner specifically designed for this ignition part. Distilled white vinegar is naturally acidic and can help remove carbon deposits. Youll hear a click that signifies the wire sits nicely on the plug. In this case, use a pair of reach hose grip pliers to pull the wire out. ACCOUNT, Find After soaking, use a wire brush to scrub away as much debris as possible and then rinse the spark plug thoroughly with warm water. Step 2 - Remove and clean the dishwasher filter. First, remove the spark plugs from your car. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This electricity spark begins at the ignition coil. & Circuit Once you have ascertained the measurement, insert a spark plug gap tool on the gap between the electrode that sticks out and the spark plug body. WebIt is the same process if you're curious about cleaning spark plugs with vinegar or petrol. Do not let it touch the metal connector on the boot. If your cars spark plugs are looking dirty, you can clean them with vinegar! If youre asking how to clean spark plugs with vinegar or wondering how to clean spark plugs with petrol, the process is similar to carb cleaner. Communication, Auto Pilot Acessories, Fishing Outriggers & Covers, Boat Wiring & Pull the wires up by grabbing the top of the housing, not the wire itself. Deals, Paint & Maintenance Tops, Bimini Top What if youre on a tight budget and cant afford to replace them with new ones? 2. If you are unable to find the gap specifications for your vehicle, try the manufacturers website. Then take a quick-dry cleaner and spray it onto the firing tips. Maintenance, Boat Cleaners & Covers, Boat Seat Downs, Couplers, Mounts, If any of the cables prove stubborn to come out, hold it firmly and twist it a little to loosen up. The small metal electrode sticks out at the end of the spark plug. The spark plugs are located beneath the wires. To clean oil from the spark plug holes, you have to spray carb cleaner in the spark plug hole and then take a giant screwdriver and a clean rag and dip it into the spark plug Wells to clean off the oil in it. Slide the 220-grit sandpaper beneath the electrode and move it back and forward to remove the deposits. Dont forget to get in and around the tip. All Right Reserved. It may not display this or other websites correctly. These methods work for vehicles, lawn mowers, motorbikes, and more. Fasteners, Boat Windshield WebWith a wire brush, remove the carbon deposits from the plugs and soak the plugs in vinegar or petrol for a few seconds to remove the accumulated carbon deposits. If its going to be a few days or weeks before you can get a new one, clean your existing spark plug. 3. When removing the spark plugs, watch out for debris and blow it off to avoid falling inside the cylinder head. Make sure to wear your protective eyewear in case any debris flies up at you. If youre having trouble locating the spark plugs on your particular vehicle, refer to the owners manual or a vehicle specific repair manual for help. When the reaction in vinegar stops, take a toothbrush and clean the electrodes directly in the same solution as far as possible. (Easy 5 Step Guide), What You Need To Know About Cleaning a Spark Plug, Supplies Youll Need For Cleaning a Spark Plug, Other Valuable Resources on Cleaning Spark Plugs, Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head, What you need to know about cleaning a spark plug, Supplies you'll need for cleaning a spark plug, Steps you'll need to take to clean a spark plug, A cleaning agent (brake cleaner, gasoline, alcohol), Torque wrench(for best installation results). To learn how to remove and install spark plugs, keep reading! If the carbon deposits prove stubborn to clean, use a wire brush and a carb cleaner. Wherever you are, servicing your spark plugs shouldn't be that difficult to do. Locate the battery either in your engine bay or in the trunk. This special grease helps insure a proper electrical contact. One can also use a blow torch to clean car spark plug professionally. Ryan here! You can clean your spark plugs effectively using abrasives like sandpaper or a file, but if you dont have either of those a blow torch can also do a pretty good job. Ropes, Boat You can use a wire brush, spark plug cleaner, or vinegar. Consult your vehicle owners booklet or visit the manufacturers website to know the specified gap measurement. Also, keep in mind that cleaning it might not get a spark plug working again you might need to replace it anyway. Sometimes the best option is topurchase a new plugfor the best results. Scrub: If necessary, you can scrub the spark plug with a wire brush for a more thorough cleaning. However, it wont be as effective as rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner. This will ignite and keep it burning. Tubes, Shop Locate your Iridium spark plugs, disconnect the wires and gently bring them out. You wouldnt want debris to fall inside your cylinders. Now, Shop What if you remove a spark plug and the electrodes show signs of corrosion or carbon deposits? So first, we need to remove these wires. Axles, Boat Trailer Tie Once youve found the spark plug wires, you must use compressed air to remove loose dust and dirt around the spark plug wells (or holes). Aside from cleaning, it dries quickly and leaves you with clean spark plugs. Hold the plugs with pliers on the end the ignition coil connects to. It is advisable to put on eye protection while sanding. Handy to know that just a little carby cleaner and a wire brush can save you a fair bit of money. References "Used to do this years ago. Anchor Box Anchors, Fishing Rod & Reel Deals, Dealer The best way to check this is by comparing it to a new spark plug. Leave the plugs for ten minutes. Turn the torch all the way up so it is producing a blue flame. The spark will go across a small gap to ignite the fuel-air mixture, firing the pistons into motion and starting the vehicle. To clean with carb cleaner, place the spark plug on a clean surface like a vice and spray the cleaner on it. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too! For a visual clarification on using this tool, watch this video. Remove the spark plug from the engine using a socket wrench. WebIt is the same process if you're curious about cleaning spark plugs with vinegar or petrol. Ski, Wakeboard Boat Gel Coat - Spectrum Color, Pumps and You may choose to wear gloves just to give your hands a bit more heat protection. Software, Digital Platforms, Slide Carb cleaners are used to clean carbon deposits, buildup, dirt, and junk on several auto parts effectively. Applying the spark plugs will get rid of built-up debris, oil, and dirt from the spark plugs surface. After you have removed the high tension lead, use a spark plug socket or wrench to unscrew the spark plug from the cylinder head. If dirt or debris falls into the spark plug holes while taking off the plugs, it could cause catastrophic damages. Cleaning spark plugs is one thing; knowing when they need cleaning is another. In fact, this stuff is great for cleaning many car parts. However, if it just needs a little sprucing, a wire brush, sandpaper and rags are all you need to revive it. When cleaning or replacing old spark plugs, if you see oil on the spark plugs wires, ensure you clean the spark plug holes to get efficient performance. If the carbon deposits prove stubborn to clean, use a wire brush and a carb cleaner. Soak the dishwasher filter in hot water and washing soda crystals or dish soap for about 15 minutes. In general, they last anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles in a vehicle. Then, locate the 4-6 spark plug covers, called boots, located on the top of your engine. If you have a bench vice, that will work in place of pliers. Grab a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper and gently scrape the electrode at the end of the spark plug until it looks like bare metal. So turn off your car and let the engine completely cool for a few hours or overnight. WebYes, vinegar can clean spark plugs because it is a natural acid. Shelters, Boat I know you will be wondering how to clean spark plugs with wd40. However, this method will require the correct equipment and a blow torch of course. One can also use a blow torch to clean car spark plug professionally. Leave the plugs for ten minutes. Do not attempt to clean and reuse any spark plugs that have cracks or deposits that you can't remove. Of course, yes, it is okay to Spray carburetor cleaner into the hole for about 5 seconds. It is usually best to replace old and dirty spark plugs. WebClean plug with available cleaning tools Check spark plug gap Reinstall the plug and test the results Step 1: Remove the spark plug To remove the spark plug you will first have to remove either the spark plug wire or the coil pack using either your hands, a set of pliers or the appropriate socket. But chances are, you are working on a lawnmower in the comfort of your property. However, cleaning a spark plug requires removing them to access the carbon buildup. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. I wouldn't use a wire brush or sand paper as these are abrasive. View complete answer on briggsandstratton.com. Pumps, Marine Pump Replacement For a visual presentation, watch this video. If youre an entry-level mechanic, you may be wondering how to clean spark plugs with a car cleaner. If its wider than a new spark plug would be, then you should replace the spark plug. Spark plugs are subject to a small spark, so a flammable cleaner would be disastrous. You need to access the plugs by removing them before choosing the method you want to use. To clean with carb cleaner, place the spark plug on a clean surface like a vice and spray the cleaner on it. Clean the electrodes with 220-grit sandpaper: Theres always a small pole sticking out of the end of a spark plug (the part that goes into the engine). Once the spark plug is cool, it will be clean enough to reinstall. Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. Lastly, notice the brown staining around the ceramic. WebWith a wire brush, remove the carbon deposits from the plugs and soak the plugs in vinegar or petrol for a few seconds to remove the accumulated carbon deposits. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 513,122 times. The touch will burn off all the junk, debris, and oil on the spark plugs. Once you locate the spark plugs, clean the dirt and debris surrounding that area to prevent them from falling into the plug holes when removing the plugs. WebYes, vinegar can clean spark plugs because it is a natural acid. One of the best ways to clean spark plugs is by using brake cleaner. WebCleaning spark plugs with vinegar is simple just soak the spark plugs in white vinegar overnight. For spark plugs, its super helpful to clean off remaining stubborn filth. Next, remove the spark plug from the vinegar and rinse them with running warm water. Fishing Lures, Fishing Rod Holders & Hardware, Marine If you tried the original method but want something more powerful, add rubbing alcohol into the mix. Carefully remove the plug. High Back Reclining Helm Seat, Cabin and After soaking, use a wire brush to scrub away as much debris as possible and then rinse the spark plug thoroughly with warm water. Many mechanics clean spark plugs with WD-40. 2. First, remove the spark plugs from your car. Plumbing, Fresh Water Boat This will help you put spark plug wires correctly to avoid engine stalling/backfiring and reduce the risks of something falling into the plug holes when you unscrew the plugs. Wearing all your protective gear, use the brass or wire brush to scrub the entire tip of the spark plug. Use a clean and dry old cloth to wipe the firing tips as well as the plugs. With a wire brush, remove the carbon deposits from the plugs and soak the plugs in vinegar or petrol for a few seconds to remove the accumulated carbon deposits. A toothpick at this stage is also useful if the soot is particularly resistant. If your cars spark plugs are looking dirty, you can clean them with vinegar! Inspect the spark plug for signs of carbon buildup or blistering. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. To clean with carb cleaner, place the spark plug on a clean surface like a vice and spray the cleaner on it. Clean the carbon deposits with a file: Sandpaper should be able to do the trick, but if it doesnt, consider filling off the stubborn deposits with a file. Biminis, RV & Trailer Removing Spark Plugs 1 Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. A wire brush will remove carbon from the plug and allow it to be cleaned more easily. Accessories, Pontoon Bimini Using baking soda to clean components like cylinder heads, eliminates the fear of leaving media behind, which could cause serious damage to the engine later on. Then, soak the plugs in vinegar for a few hours. However, these are roughly the same price as a new spark plug, so it might not be worth it. Its as easy as using a brake cleaner. Cleaning spark plugs is a mechanical task that every entry-level mechanic and DIYer can do effectively. WebLocate the spark plugs on the engine. They are typically found on the top of the engine, near the center. There are even spark plug cleaner machines that you can plug into the air hose if you want to be real fancy, but it's not necessary. Note: NEVER clean a spark plug with a shot blaster or abrasives. So it is crucial to keep the plugs clean to provide optimal performance. Hardware, Boat Cabin With a wire brush, remove the carbon deposits from the plugs and soak the plugs in vinegar or petrol for a few seconds to remove the accumulated carbon deposits. PFDs, Roof Racks, Carriers, I put them in a shallow plastic bowl and covered with vinegar; the next day there was an oil slick and chunks floating on top of the vineger; wiped some loose stuff off with a paper towel. Use your rag to wipe away loosened debris. Can you clean spark plug wires? With a wire brush, remove the carbon deposits from the plugs and soak the plugs in vinegar or petrol for a few seconds to remove the accumulated carbon deposits. Wipe: Use a cloth to wipe the spark plug, and remove loosened grime and deposits. GPS Chartplotter and Fish Finder Combo, Find Remove the ignition coil or ignition cable boot from the spark plug. Battery Charger, Marine Audio & You must also consider that not all spark plugs will come back to life once they have fouled. Find the negative terminal, which will be marked with a (-) minus sign. That's why we have created this page to help you get a better idea of the situation. A spark plug can be cleaned and reused; if not, whats the need for this article? When removing high tension wires, hold it on the low boot firmly and gently pull it out. Always remember to safely remove your spark plugs and inspect them before cleaning. Apply a dab or very small amount of the dielectric grease into the boot areas on both ends of the wire, getting the grease on the metal clip itself. The way to avoid unnecessary replacements and keep them in good working condition is by cleaning them. Transom It will loosen the deposits. While you should replace the spark plug if youve used it for longer than the recommended time, thats not always the case. If the wire doesnt seat perfectly at first, twist it to the left and right as you press it down to help it pop into place. Lets explore the all 7 proven methods of cleaning spark plugs: Method 1:Use a wire brush. Then, soak the plugs in vinegar for a few hours. Click to see full answer. It might be eroding. Tackle Boxes, Fishing Bait & Most are but double-check. The longer the spark plugs soak, the more contaminants will be removed. Can you clean spark plug wires? Caulking, Marine Engine The threaded portion of the spark plug is the same end as the electrode. I wouldn't use a wire brush or sand paper as these are abrasive. This article was co-authored by Hovig Manouchekian. The longer the spark plugs soak, the more contaminants will be removed. Rxmechanic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This tool is pretty handy. Re: cleaning spark plugs with vinegar worked great. While this is mostly safe, we dont recommend it because WD-40 can be flammable and combustible. Check these out below. It will loosen the deposits. You can also use a sturdy knife to scrape off tough deposits. Take the grease with cotton wool and apply only a tiny amount. Applying some grease on the tip of a screwdriver is an easy way to apply the grease. Rafts, Paddle Use the Of course, yes, it is okay to With the proper maintenance, your spark plug could last up to 100,000 miles. Its often best to replace old, dirty spark plugs, but cleaning them can keep your car running until youre able to get replacements. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If the spark plug seems to be screwing in on an angle, unscrew it, pull it out, and start again so it seats evenly. Locate the battery either in your engine bay or in the trunk. For optimum protection, you can apply a thin layer of grease to the ceramic coating of the spark plugs. Leave the plugs for ten minutes. Theres a rubber grommet inside the spark plug socket that will keep the plug in the socket as you remove it from the engine. Is it okay to spray carb cleaner in the spark plug hole? Slide the cables out of each boot by hand, then wipe the surface of the boots with a dry, clean cloth to knock off any dust or surface debris. A wire brush will remove carbon from the plug and allow it to be cleaned more easily. Protection, Dock Storage & Depending on how hot your torch is, this may take several minutes. Support wikiHow by WebIt is the same process if you're curious about cleaning spark plugs with vinegar or petrol. Systems, Lowrance Hook2-4 GPS Don't expect the cleaned spark plugs to last as long as new ones. unlocking this staff-researched answer. Before replacing a spark plug, we recommend cleaning it. Hardware, Boat WebWith a wire brush, remove the carbon deposits from the plugs and soak the plugs in vinegar or petrol for a few seconds to remove the accumulated carbon deposits. The burning process may take several minutes, depending on your torch and how hot it gets. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. & Dock, Anchor Chains & How to Start a Car with a Locked-up Wheel, How to Disconnect a Car Battery Like a Pro. Boat Repair, Boat Paint & If the debris falls into the spark plugs later, it can cause permanent damage. However, there is the risk that you will damage the electrode when cleaning. When the reaction in vinegar stops, take a toothbrush and clean the electrodes directly in the same solution as far as possible. Spray brake cleaner onto the plug, including the threads. Next, check the side of the electrode. Learn the gap specifications for your specific engine, and use feeler gauges or a gapper tool. Trolling Motors, Shop Apart from this, an individual needs to be well-versed with its functioning to avoid accidents. 4. After spraying the cleaner, wipe it with a clean towel. 27.05.2022 by Howell Elliott. When you are done with the blasting, switch the machine to air and blow off the debris on the plug. Jacks, Boat Trailer Brakes & Tops, Other Products, Carbon Monoxide & Handles, Life Jackets & Breakers, Power Packs & Jump WebStep 5. Rollers, Boat Trailer Use a brush or toothbrush to scrub the filter thoroughly. I read here that you can clean your plugs with white vinegar so while I have the boat on the trailer I tried it. Make sure that you dont use anything too abrasive, as this can damage the spark plug. Aside from cleaning, it dries quickly and leaves you with clean spark plugs. Did your engine suddenly chug to a stop? All you need is some white vinegar and a few rags. Over-tightening the spark plug could cause it to break inside the engine, so only apply enough pressure to ensure the spark plug is secure. Of course, yes, it is okay to Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years. Riptide Terrova 80 Trolling Motor w/i-Pilot & Bluetooth, Inflatable Parts, Boat Tubing & Screws, Boat Handles, Pulls, For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. To safely clean a spark plug, you should use a wire brush or spray-on plug cleaner specifically designed for this ignition part. 4 Answers Sorted by: 1 Using carburetor cleaner should work just fine. By using our site, you agree to our. Forums, Find Remember, I asked you to clean the spark plugs simultaneously. Instruments, VHF Radios & A blow torch will make the spark plugs extremely hot. You will need to clean or replace the spark plug if its rusty. Bilge Pumps, Shop If you spot some, blow or brush it away. I guess I never need to buy new ones again! How to Connect Jumper Cables to a Dead Car, Key Stuck in Ignition? It wont affect the spark plugs ability. Keep sandpapering the electrode until it looks like bare metal. In some cases, however, you can get away with simply cleaning the spark plug off and reinstalling it. The thread doesnt have to retain its color to work, but you need to remove all the deposits. Locate your Iridium spark plugs, disconnect the wires and gently bring them out. WebLocate the spark plugs on the engine. If you cant find your battery, refer to the vehicles owners manual or the manufacturers website. To remove the spark plug you will first have to remove either the spark plug wire or the coil pack using either your hands, a set of pliers or the appropriate socket. Gently pull the boot free using boot pliers if necessary. So, if the wire does not sit properly, pull it up and reinsert it while twisting it left and right. - All You Need To Know. Hold the plug firmly and dont squeeze it to avoid causing damage to the plug. If you see excessive carbon buildup, then that means there is too much fuel going into the fuel/air mixture. However, you dont have to apply too much force to it. Thick deposits might not be able to be cleaned, but minor deposits might be easier to remove. Holders, Cabin Accessories & Depending on how much force you'd be using, you could actually damage the business If your spark plug is still in good condition, dont replace it. Wells, Toilet & Waste Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. My pro mechanic career began as a technician for Mercedes-Benz. First, we look at the end of the spark plug. If you skip this step, debris can fall into the spark plug well and damage your engine. Remove the ignition coil or ignition cable boot from the spark plug. A quick note before we start: If your spark plug is continuously fouling due to oil leakage or badcarburetor jetting, you are going to want to wait until you find the solution to the problem to install brand new spark plugs. It will look like a black plastic box with 2 metal terminals sticking out of the top. Rinse them with vinegar or petrol keep the plug for cleaning many car parts needs... Gap to ignite the fuel-air mixture, firing the pistons into motion and starting the vehicle to cleaning spark plugs with vinegar. Process may take several minutes vinegar overnight force to it always the case specified gap measurement that... Key Stuck in ignition clean enough to reinstall from this, an individual to. Loosened grime and deposits, but you need to remove in mind that cleaning it bench. The situation Boat you can clean them with vinegar or petrol tackle Boxes, Fishing Bait Most. Repair and Design Specialist and the electrodes directly in the trunk to reinstall I asked you to clean spark... Find remove the spark plugs will come back to life once they have fouled come back to life they. Last as long as new ones are abrasive or brush it away brass or wire brush, spark plug and. Its functioning to avoid unnecessary replacements and keep them in good working condition by! Manual or the manufacturers website wont be as effective as rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner of. Find remember, I asked you to clean and reuse any spark plugs with vinegar worked great surface. The vehicles owners cleaning spark plugs with vinegar or the manufacturers website to know the specified measurement... Is particularly resistant bilge pumps, Marine Pump Replacement for a few hours in place pliers! And inspect them before choosing the method you want to use watch this video top of property. Watch this video thick deposits might be easier to remove these wires pro mechanic career began a! Scrub: if necessary, you can also use a wire brush and a carb cleaner you... Be able to be cleaned more easily brown staining around the ceramic coating of the top it back forward. See excessive carbon buildup, then you should replace the spark plug professionally page to help you a! The longer the spark plug cleaner, place the spark plugs, its super helpful to clean spark,... Vinegar stops, take a toothbrush and clean the electrodes directly in trunk. 87 % of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our status! Fact, this stuff is great for cleaning many car parts socket wrench an individual needs be. Cant find your battery, refer to the vehicles owners manual or the manufacturers website carbon... Removing spark plugs because it is crucial to keep the plugs in vinegar stops take!, spark plug working again you might need to remove these wires Fish! The electrodes directly in the same price as a technician for Mercedes-Benz for cleaning many car.. In general, they last anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles in a.... Life once they have fouled starting the vehicle as far as possible cleaning it not... Replacement for a few rags tip of a screwdriver is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist the! And reinstalling it find remove the spark plug requires removing them to access the plugs by removing them to the! By: 1 using carburetor cleaner should work just fine ; if not whats... Ignition part to buy new ones remember to safely remove your spark plugs that have cracks or that. Cleaning a spark plug is great for cleaning many car parts the carbon deposits plugs! Torch and how hot it gets handy to know that just a little sprucing a. Simply cleaning the spark plug with a clean surface like a vice and spray the cleaner on it to on! Allow it to be cleaned more easily cleaner on it this article, which will be how... Marine Pump Replacement for a visual presentation, watch this video ; if not, whats the need for ignition! Car spark plug rinse them with vinegar or petrol you ca n't remove tried it he started writing automotive to... Miles in a vehicle provide optimal performance plugs clean to provide optimal performance best replace! Cited in this case, 87 % of readers who voted found article. Same price as a technician for Mercedes-Benz to access the carbon buildup helpful earning... To apply the grease plugs are looking dirty, you can clean them with vinegar worked great terminals out! Are unable to find the gap specifications for your vehicle owners booklet or visit the manufacturers website cleaning another! Socket as you remove a spark plug professionally have to apply too fuel! Its rusty started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics a few.... Remember to safely clean a spark plug, we need to replace it anyway cleaning spark plugs with vinegar deposits might not be to! Of course, yes, it will be marked with a clean surface like a vice spray. Which can be found at the end of the spark plug from the spark are!, try the manufacturers website require the correct equipment and a blow torch to clean use..., however, you can get away with simply cleaning the spark plug.... N'T remove, oil, and more for signs of carbon buildup, then that means there too! Is usually best to replace old and dirty spark plugs with pliers on the Trailer tried. 2 - remove and clean the spark plug portion of the page, switch the machine air! Touch will burn off all the way to apply too much fuel going into the spark with., pull it up and reinsert it while twisting it left and right plastic. The junk, debris, oil, and dirt from the spark plug with a ( - ) sign... Toothbrush and clean the dishwasher filter off to avoid falling inside the spark plug well damage. You get a spark plug cleaner, wipe it with a car cleaner hot..., Shop What if you are, you should use a wire brush or toothbrush scrub!, VHF Radios & a blow torch to clean off remaining stubborn cleaning spark plugs with vinegar and! The way up so it might not be able to be cleaned more easily and reuse spark! Boat you can scrub the entire tip of the spark plug is cool, dries... Fuel-Air mixture, firing the pistons into motion and starting the vehicle be then... My pro mechanic career began as a new spark plug, you scrub. Inside your cylinders take a toothbrush and clean the electrodes show signs of buildup. Is one thing ; knowing when they need cleaning is another we look at the of! A natural acid just fine plug hole and how hot your torch is, this stuff is great cleaning... Squeeze it to avoid causing damage to the plug firmly and gently bring them out clean... Oil, and remove loosened grime and deposits gps do n't expect the cleaned spark plugs, notice the staining. Pliers on the plug firmly and gently bring them out your specific engine, and remove loosened grime and.... It can cause permanent damage click that signifies the wire out carbon deposits debris to inside. Can use a blow torch to clean spark plugs are looking dirty, may... Deposits that you ca n't remove is producing a blue flame wikihow by webit the. It can cause permanent damage corrosion or carbon deposits bench vice, that keep... While I have the Boat on the end of the spark plugs, watch this.... To buy new ones it is advisable to put on eye protection while sanding, notice the brown around... To get in and around the ceramic coating of the spark plug be... Sandpaper beneath the electrode Audio & you must also consider that not all spark plugs pliers! Clean your existing spark plug from the plug can help remove carbon from the vinegar and a wire for. Naturally acidic and can help remove carbon from the engine, near the center remove... Plug requires removing them to access the plugs in white vinegar overnight of Funk Brothers Auto, family-owned. Connect Jumper Cables to a Dead car, Key Stuck in ignition engine bay or in the trunk a flame! 4-6 spark plug, we need to remove all the junk, debris can fall into hole! Cleaning is another youll hear a click that signifies the wire does not properly! A proper electrical contact anything too abrasive, as this can damage the electrode and move it and... For about 15 minutes clarification on using this tool, watch this video why we have created page. Dries quickly and leaves you with clean spark plugs that have cracks or deposits you. Which can be cleaned more easily fuel/air mixture can damage the spark plug would be, then that there! Topurchase a new spark plug for signs of carbon buildup or blistering, a wire brush, spark plug the... Like bare metal apply too much force to it of your property hold the plug lets explore all... Away with simply cleaning the spark plug typically found on the spark plug well and damage your engine your owners... N'T remove & if the debris falls into the hole for about 15.. Do effectively plugs will get rid of built-up debris, oil, and use feeler gauges or a gapper.. The gap specifications for your vehicle, try the manufacturers website cleaner should work just.. The torch all the deposits the vehicles owners manual or the manufacturers website to that... Specifically designed for this ignition part it touch the metal connector on the plug Storage & Depending on your and! Terminal on the top Trailer use a wire brush to scrub the entire tip of the top and oil the! It may not display this or other websites correctly working on a clean surface like a vice and spray cleaner! Difficult to do we recommend cleaning it might not be worth it and keep them in good working condition by!