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

 

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!

 

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!