How To Clean An Oily Spark Plug

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Spark plugs are vital to making an engine run, so it's important to proceed them in clean working club. Cleaning your spark plugs is a quick and piece of cake mode to keep them working, merely information technology's important to consider the reason your plugs need to be cleaned. It's often best to replace former, dirty spark plugs, but cleaning them can proceed your car running until you're able to become replacements. Y'all can clean your spark plugs effectively using abrasives similar sandpaper or a file, but if you don't have either of those a blow torch can also do a pretty good job.

1. 1

   Disconnect the negative last on the battery. Locate the battery either in your engine bay or in the trunk. It volition await like a black plastic box with 2 metallic terminals sticking out of the meridian. Detect the negative terminal, which will exist marked with a (-) minus sign. Loosen the bolt belongings the cablevision on the terminal and then slide it off.^[1]

   • If yous can't find your battery, refer to the vehicle's owner's manual or the manufacturer's website.
   • Tuck the cablevision to the side and so it doesn't accidentally come back into contact with the bombardment terminal.

2. 2

   Locate the spark plugs. Find the spark plug wires (thick cables running from the ignition coils to the top of the engine) where they connect to the spark plugs and follow them to the openings in the cylinder caput for each. There volition be 1 cablevision and 1 plug for each cylinder in your engine, and then a V6 will have 6, whereas a two-stroke dirt bike volition just have 1.^[2]

   • If you're having trouble locating the spark plugs on your particular vehicle, refer to the owner's manual or a vehicle specific repair manual for help.

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3. 3

   Use a can of compressed air to blow debris away from the spark plugs. One time you've plant where the spark plugs are screwed in, you'll need to clean all the dirt and junk out of the expanse to stop any of it from falling into the cylinders while the spark plugs are removed. Utilize the compressed air to accident all loose materials safely abroad.^[3]

   • If any dirt or debris falls into the cylinder while the spark plug is removed, information technology could cause serious damage to the engine.
   • Ever habiliment centre protection when using canned air to spray away debris.

4. 4

   Disconnect the spark plug wire on 1 spark plug at a time. In order to keep the cables organized and minimize the run a risk of droppings falling into the cylinders, you should make clean the spark plugs 1 at a fourth dimension. Removing all of the spark plugs at one time could make it easy to confuse which cable goes to which cylinder, and would too increase the chances of something falling into the empty holes the spark plugs used to fill. Grip the spark plug cablevision firmly, low on the boot nearest to the spark plug, and so pull information technology away and off the plug.^[4]

   • Don't pull from high on the wire or you could separate the inside of the cable from its connector for the plug.
   • If the wire is really stuck, trying twisting information technology a footling to loosen it up, and then pull.

5. 5

   Use a spark plug socket to unscrew the spark plug. Place the spark plug socket on the cease of an extension and then connect it to your ratchet. Put the socket over the spark plug and turn it in a counter-clockwise direction to unscrew the plug from where it's seated. Once information technology'due south loose, popular the extension and socket off of the wrench and finish unscrewing it by paw.^[5]

   • There'southward a rubber grommet inside the spark plug socket that will go on the plug in the socket every bit you lot remove information technology from the engine.
   • Look around i more time for any loose dirt or debris before pulling the spark plug out. If you spot some, blow or brush it away.

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1. i

   Use 220-dust sandpaper on the electrode. At the end of the spark plug (on the side that goes into the engine) you'll find a small slice of metal extending out of the plug. That's called the electrode. If it is blackness or discolored, slide the sandpaper below the aptitude over portion of the electrode between it and the plug itself and run information technology dorsum and along until you see clean metal on either side.^{[half dozen]}

   • The spark plug electrode should look like bare metal. If information technology doesn't, continue sanding until it does.
   • E'er wear eye protection and a mask when sanding.

2. two

   File down the grime on the electrode if information technology'due south particularly muddied. If sandpaper doesn't practice the flim-flam, the spark plug actually should be replaced, however, in a bind you tin use a small file to grind away pregnant carbon build upwardly on the electrode. Slide the file into the gap between the plug and the electrode and then movement it dorsum and forth to clean the metal.^[7]

3. iii

   Scrub the threads with a wire brush. Chances are good that there'southward a build upward of oil and grime in the threads of your spark plug, which volition make re-installing them hard. Scrub at the threads with your wire brush from a perpendicular angle to the plug (so the brush is moving in the aforementioned management every bit the plug's threads) to remove the bulk of the congenital-upwardly gunk. Then switch and scrub it from other angles for maximum upshot.^[viii]

   • Wear gloves while you do this to avert poking yourself with the wire brush.
   • The threads don't need to be perfectly clean to work, merely should be free of most buildup.

4. iv

   Spray brake cleaner on the plug and wipe information technology downward. Brake cleaner is sold in spray cans at your local machine parts store and tin can be used to finer clean grime off of many car parts. Aside from cleaning, it evaporates rapidly then the parts dry speedily. Spray some restriction cleaner on the plug and threads, then employ a clean rag to wipe away any remaining dirt or debris.^[ix]

   • If your spark plugs are really dirty, you lot can apply the brake cleaner and wire brush together to tackle stuck on grime.
   • Brand sure to wipe the plug downwardly thoroughly with the rag afterward to remove all of the brake cleaner that has soaked upward dirt and oil.

5. five

   Repeat the process for each spark plug. Once that first spark plug is clean, reinstall information technology and reconnect the spark plug wire that goes to it. And then repeat the process with each spark plug until they have all been cleaned and reinstalled.

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1. 1

   Grip the spark with pliers on the end the wire connects to. Considering the torch will get extremely hot, you'll need the extra length the pliers provide to keep your hand safely abroad from the heat. Keep a firm grip on the plug, merely don't squeeze then difficult that you risk dissentious the spark plug. It only needs to sit in the pliers as a handle extension.^[10]

   • If you have a bench vice, that volition work in place of pliers.

2. ii

   Put on gloves and ignite your torch. Plow the knob on your gas or propane torch to permit gas to menses, then either hit the ignition button or place an ignition source in front of the nozzle. The torch volition and then light up and begin burning.^[eleven]

   • You may choose to clothing gloves just to give your hands a bit more heat protection.
   • Plough the torch all the way upwards and so it is producing a blue flame.

3. 3

   Hold the cease of the spark plug in the flame until it turns red. The torch will burn the carbon and debris off of the spark plug, and considering the plug is designed to be within the engine when information technology ignites, information technology will survive the oestrus without issue. Hold the plug in the flame, rotating it from side to side, until the end of the plug and the electrode are glowing red hot.^[12]

   • Depending on how hot your torch is, this may accept several minutes.
   • Be extremely careful not to permit the flame from the torch to reach anything else in your work surface area.

4. 4

   Let the plug cool and do not touch it with your fingers. After the plug gets hot plenty to burn away the carbon, it will demand to cool for a few minutes before you can work with it. Be extremely careful; the spark plug will return to normal colors long earlier it is cool enough to touch. To exist prophylactic, give each plug at least 5 minutes to cool before attempting to reinstall it.^[13]

   • Once the spark plug is absurd, it will be clean enough to reinstall.

5. 5

   Echo the procedure for each spark plug. Once the spark plug is cool enough to reinstall, put information technology dorsum in, reconnect the spark plug wire, and move on to the adjacent spark plug. Continue to repeat these steps for each plug until they are all make clean.^[14]

   • It is important that y'all clean each spark plug so that some cylinders don't burn more than efficiently than others.

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1. 1

   Apply a gap tool to correct the gap between the plug and the electrode. Check your vehicle's owner or service manual to find the verbal gap measurement for your spark plugs in millimeters. Then, insert a gap tool into the infinite between the spark plug'south body and the electrode that sticks out of it. Apply the tool to mensurate the gap, and then either pry the electrode further from the torso to increment the gap or press it closer to the body to decrease it until the gap matches the vehicle's specifications.^[fifteen]

   • You should exist able to press the electrode out or clasp it closer to the torso only by applying force per unit area on it using the gap tool.
   • Y'all can purchase a spark plug "gapper" or gap tool at whatsoever auto parts shop.
   • If you are unable to notice the gap specifications for your vehicle, attempt the manufacturer's website.

2. ii

   Identify the plug in the spark plug socket with the threads facing out. The spark plug socket has a rubber grommet that volition concur the plug in identify as you lower it down into the engine and make it easier to thread the plug once you have it in there.^[xvi]

   • The threaded portion of the spark plug is the same end as the electrode. That end should be sticking out of the spark plug socket.

3. 3

   Insert the spark plug and turn it clockwise to seat it by paw. It's of import that you don't cross-thread your spark plugs, which occurs when you forcefully tighten it even though it hasn't seated properly in the engine. To avoid this, tighten the spark plug by mitt using an extension connected to the spark plug socket.^[17]

   • Go along screwing the spark plug in until it becomes snug.
   • If the spark plug seems to exist screwing in on an angle, unscrew information technology, pull it out, and start again and then it seats evenly.

4. 4

   Tighten the spark plug using a socket wrench. Once the spark plug is snugly seated in place, connect a ratchet to the extension and finish tightening it. Make sure the spark plug is secure, but you lot don't accept to put too much force on it through the wrench.^[18]

   • Over-tightening the spark plug could crusade it to break inside the engine, and so only utilise enough pressure to ensure the spark plug is secure.

5. v

   Reconnect the plug wire to the spark plug. Grip the plug wire by the kicking almost the end and press it firmly down onto the exposed end of the spark plug sticking out of the engine. Y'all will hear an audible popular when the plug wire is firmly connected.^[19]

   • If the wire doesn't seat perfectly at starting time, twist it to the left and right as you press information technology downward to help it pop into place.
   • If y'all don't hear it click or pop, the plug wire isn't continued firmly enough yet and could pop off while driving.

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Add together New Question

• Question

  Can y'all sandblast spark plugs?

  

  Hovig Manouchekian is an Motorcar Repair and Design Specialist and the Director of Funk Brothers Machine, a family unit-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive manufacture, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is as well very knowledgeable in common automotive bug and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard piece of work have contributed to Funk Brothers Machine winning Angie'south List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.

  

  Auto Repair & Design Specialist

  Expert Reply

  

  Support wikiHow by unlocking this practiced answer.

  There's a special tool you can use that'south similar to sandblasting—the tool has an air compressor that's attached to a pouch with sand in information technology, and y'all attach the spark plug to that, and it cleans the electrode of the spark plugs with the sand.

• Question

  Can yous clean spark plugs with WD-40?

  

  This answer was written past one of our trained squad of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Reply

• Question

  Can fouled spark plugs be reused?

  

  This reply was written past one of our trained team of researchers who validated information technology for accurateness and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Reply

• Question

  How tin can you tell if a spark plug is bad?

  

  This reply was written past ane of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accurateness and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  

  Support wikiHow past unlocking this staff-researched answer.

  There may exist a trouble with your spark plugs if your bank check engine light is on, your engine runs crude, or your auto takes too long to showtime or accelerate. You might too hear a ticking racket under your hood or observe a bad aroma (like rotten eggs) in your frazzle. If you notice any of these problems, check your spark plugs to see if they announced dirty, greasy, charred, worn, or damaged.

• Question

  If carbon is built upward around a spark plug electrode, what is the best method of removing it?

  

  Kjmclark

  Customs Answer

  The wire brush and cleaning fluid approach above is usually the best method. Other means are sandblasting with small-scale kits for that purpose, but while that will work, information technology frequently leaves abrasive grit in the plug that will somewhen come up out and impairment your cylinder. Some people employ a torch to burn down off the carbon, simply that runs the risk of dissentious your plug if y'all exceed the estrus range of the plug. The acrid approach works well, merely is a trivial risky for the user.

• Question

  What tools are required for adjusting the plug cap?

  

  Ever employ wire approximate-blazon gap gauges every bit coin-type gap gauges can damage the electrode and cause misfiring of the plug.

• Question

  How do I kicking start a motorbike?

  

  Press the clutch down, switch to second gear, and start pushing your motorcycle (by yourself or with some help from a friend). Then release the clutch and requite it some gas and it should start. Withal, it might be difficult to push button it, and then consider trying this on a downhill slope.

• Question

  What is the gap on spark plugs on a 2002 F150?

  

  The gap should exist 0.54.

• Question

  What well-nigh cleaning the hole that the spark plug is inserted in?

  

  Be conscientious. Directly below is your piston. Use compressed air to blow any debris out before reinstalling your plug.

• Question

  How exercise I re-thread a stripped spark plug port?

  

  You could endeavour aluminum foil on the spark plug, on the part that screws in. This will mend to the port when you put information technology in.

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VideoRead Video Transcript

• If you need to clean your spark plugs, chances are good that they should be replaced soon.

• Wait until your vehicle'due south engine is cool before removing spark plugs to clean them.

• Use a pocket-sized knife to scrape off stubborn dirt when cleaning spark plugs.

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• Exercise not endeavour to clean and reuse any spark plugs that have cracks or deposits that you can't remove.

• Don't expect the cleaned spark plugs to final as long every bit new ones. Program to replace the spark plug shortly later burning information technology downwardly, as this is but a temporary set up.

• Always wear middle protection when working with a blowtorch.

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Things You'll Demand

• Clean rag
• Brake cleaner
• Dry chemical compound
• Wire castor
• Spark plug socket and ratchet wrench
• Spark plug gap tool
• Blow Torch

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Commodity Summary 10

To clean your vehicle's spark plugs, commencement disconnect the negative cablevision from your vehicle's battery. So, locate the iv-6 spark plug covers, called boots, located on the top of your engine. Slide the cables out of each kick by mitt, then wipe the surface of the boots with a dry, make clean material to knock off any grit or surface droppings. Side by side, grab a can of compressed air and spray it over the expanse to blow any loosened crud away. To remove the first kicking, pull it gently out of the port by mitt. Grab a socket wrench with an extension on the finish and slide it down into the port that the kick was blocking. Rotate the wrench counterclockwise and loosen the spark plug until you lot don't feel whatsoever resistance. Then, pull the spark plug out with the socket wrench. Grab a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper and gently scrape the electrode at the end of the spark plug until it looks like blank metallic. Next, gently brush the threading and electrode with a wire brush. Finally, spray the spark plug with a brake cleaner and wipe the entire component with a make clean rag. Reinsert the spark plug and tighten it with the socket wrench by twisting clockwise. Repeat this process for the remaining spark plugs located under the other covers on your engine. To acquire how to remove and install spark plugs, keep reading!

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