Does cleaning spark plugs with a wire brush ruin the plugs? Does it cause electrical shorts on the plug? What about the sand blasting bag things that i've seen in mechanic shops? Do they cause electrical shorts too? Discuss https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/bigok.gif

i use a wire wheel on one of those big electric motor things. It spins i hold the plug, works nicely.

I reused a lotta plugs this summer by cleaning them with carb cleaner, a wire brush and a torch. The spark looked good and the plugs came pretty clean each time.

Torch? I just use carb cleaner/brake cleaner/gas (if it's handy), and then wire wheel or brush them. I've got a set of plugs from '96 that still work great (low mileage).

Just have to worry about the porcelin cracking and dropping into the engine. So if is cracked, don't use it.

Buy new plugs

Nothing wrong with cleaning them, IMO. But if they're questionable in any way, or have a lot of miles, why bother? Just get new ones.

Lets assume the plugs are brand new and got carbon fouled and just need a good cleaning. I agree if the plugs are old its just time to change them.

Then we are 100% in agreement! https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/bigok.gif

ETHER works WONDERS. I think it comes in either spray type carb cleaner or brake cleaner? I don't know, but OMG does it ever take off that there carbon!

Starting fluid is a good way to get your ether. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...DIR#>/wink.png



I've seen some carbon fouled plugs that no longer worked correctly. We tried hosing them with cleaners, and hitting them with the wire wheel. The spark prefers to go down and then back up instead of jumping the gap correctly. The plugs were BUR7EQ (and I think it had 9s too) on a stock FB ignition with a dellorto and old tired oil seals (lots of smoke!). It's obvious to me now why it didn't work that well, but back then, it was a mystery. We put some new plugs in it and that solved the problem, although I don't remember which type of plugs there were. I'm sure the problem is coming back, or it will some day.



Basically, 2nd gen plugs on a 1st gen ignition system isn't a very good idea. It's ok with direct fire though. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...#>/biggrin.png

usually a wire brush and some carb spray work great, but its like a 75% of the time deal, sometimes it judt doesnt work



mike

THAT'S THE STUFF!!! I gotta get some! WOOO!



(no need for that stuff for the diesel though https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...DIR )

I think the reason for that is coming true. I put 2nd gen plugs as my regular NGK's were starting to foul, they made a bit of a difference at first, but they died off quicker than the old ones did. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/wacko.png