Cleaning spark plugs

[acdc96]

While at harbor freight I saw this pneumatic spark plug cleaner. It would clean the spark plug with spark plug abrasive. Anyone use one of these? Is it a good way to clean fouled plugs? Here's the link: http://m.harborfreight.com/air-tools/specialty-air-tools/pneumatic-spark-plug-cleaner-32860.html

 

[WIMUSKY]

Plugs are relatively cheap. If they foul just replace them. At $12, I doubt that tool would work very well or last very long.....

 

[glenn property of pam]

That type of tool use to work well on the old type spark plugs before they added fancy materials at the point of the spark. Don't expect wonders if you are cleaning 2 stroke plugs as the abrasive doesn't mix well with oily plugs.
Basic plugs haven't really changed in price for the many many years so 25 years ago a plug cleaner was a good tool. Today I wouldn't even consider using one.

 

[greenbush future]

Changing plugs seems to be less and less of an issue anymore. Maybe on some 2 strokes the changes still occur, but my newer snowmobile that run etec technology, doesn't foul plugs at all. The newer outboards are all (mostly) 4 strokes and they most likely don't foul out either.

 

[H20Rat]

Doesn't pay to clean plugs... The insulator is porous and absorbs any oil. The cleaner won't get that, so once the plug is heated up, it will foul instantly.

 

[Maclin]

My experience mirrors what smokingcrater posted, plugs were basically unuseable after. I threw the plugs AND the machine away after the first attempt.

 

[smokeonthewater]

those blasters were always VERY good at lodging sand deep in the plug that would later end up in the engine.... If you are fouling plugs, fix the problem and carry spares... forget the cleaner.

 

[Scott Danforth]

JC whitney used to also sell a spark plug cleaner as well. they were not much good 30 some years ago.

if your fouling plugs, you have other issues. fix the cause of the fouling.

 

[Frank Acampora]

If your engine uses surface gap plugs, a simple green Skotchbrite pad worked into the gap with your fingernail works very well and the plugs will last almost forever.. I carry a clean set on board so I can change them if I have trouble during the day and I don't need to get dirty. I clean them at home. Takes all of 30 seconds per plug.

 

[acdc96]

My outboard plugs get a build up of carbon at the end of year. I change the plugs every spring and keep a couple in the drybox for spares.

 

[airshot]

I just spray a little carb cleaner on them and clean with a brass brush, good as new. As posted before the blaster grit will stick in the plug and get inside your engine so you do not want that.

 

[Sea Rider]

Having 2 strokes engines, bough one of those. Before blasting fouled plugs, you must clean them with acrlic thinner, break fluid, carb spray, once completely dry blast them, after that, blow compressed air to remove any debris left on tip, take advantage to regap each plug and you're done. If by fouling you mean having darken and oily tip heads, that's normal on 2 strokes engines. For $ 13.00 what do you have to lose, assuming you already have a min 60 PSI air compressor to connect blaster to.

Happy Boating

 

[Gyrene]

Agree with others - plugs are consumable - replace them. If you got expensive plugs like platinum or iridium, the cleaner would destroy them anyway.