A spark plug needs to be cleaned once it accumulates a lot of grime and oil.
If it isn’t cleaned, you may face a range of troubles, including slow acceleration, lousy fuel economy, deposits on the cylinder head, etc.
But how do you clean them?
Or when should you get a new plug?
These are the questions we’ll answer today!
This step-by-step guide will show you how to clean spark plugs, and we’ll also answer a bunch of relevant FAQs to help you understand the process better.
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Let’s begin!
How to Clean Spark Plugs? (Step-By-Step)
Before we jump into a step-by-step guide on how to clean a spark plug, let’s go through all the equipment and materials you’ll need:
- Sandpaper
- Compressed air can (can containing pressurized air)
- Carburetor cleaner
- Gloves
- Spark plug gap tool
- Spark plug cleaner tool
- A clean rag (clean cloth)
- Spark plug wrench
- Spark plug socket
- Pliers
- Brake cleaner
- Safety glasses
- Propane torch (blow torch)
Apart from gathering the equipment, you must perform 3 essential preparation steps before cleaning spark plugs:
- Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery.
- Locate the spark plugs.
- Blow away debris on the exterior of the spark plug area with a compressed air can. This’ll prevent any gunk from falling into the spark plug hole or combustion chamber — that could potentially cause engine damage.
Now that you have everything you need and are all prepared, let’s discuss the 2 ways of cleaning spark plugs:
Method 1: Cleaning with Abrasives
Here’s the first method for cleaning spark plugs:
Step 1: Detach the Spark Plug Wire and Unscrew the Plug
It’s best to undo the spark plug wire and spark plug head one at a time when cleaning the spark plug.
Why?
Because it ensures you reinstall them correctly, while preventing debris from falling onto the cylinder head and combustion chamber.
To clean the plug, first hold the spark plug wire (or ignition coil) securely, very close to the spark plug, and pull it away from the plug.
Don’t yank it or pull from high on the wire.
If you do, it could sever the inside of the spark plug wire from its connector.
If you can’t remove the spark plug wire, twist it a bit to loosen it, and then pull.
Once done, remove the plug using a spark plug socket. Turn it counter-clockwise to unscrew the plug till it’s loose. Then you can unscrew it by hand.
Step 2: Use 220-Grit Sandpaper On the Spark Plug Electrode
Once you’ve removed the spark plug, look at the firing end (or firing tip). This is the side that fits into the engine. There you’ll find a small piece of metal extending out of the spark plug, known as the electrode.
If this electrode is black, discolored, or doesn’t look like bare metal, use sandpaper to clean it. Move the sandpaper back and forth on the spark plug electrode till you see the clean metal.
While checking the spark plug electrode, also check the ceramic insulator for damage or dirt buildup.
Note: Always use protective eyewear and a mask when using sandpaper.
Step 3 (Optional): File Down the Dirt On the Electrode
If the spark plug electrode is extremely dirty and the sandpaper doesn’t work, it’s time for a new spark plug. But in case of an emergency, you can use a small file to remove the carbon buildup on the electrode.
Step 4: Scrub the Threads With a Wire Brush
It’s possible to have oil and dirt build up in the spark plug threads. If that’s the case, it’ll be difficult to reinstall them.
Solution — you can scrub the threads with a wire brush. When using a wire brush, ensure it’s an angle, so it moves in the same direction as the threads and removes all the dirt off the fouled spark plug.
Once done, scrub from other angles for ultimate spark plug cleaning.
You can also clean your spark plug hole using a wire brush and penetrating oil. To do so, first, scrub out the dirt in the spark plug holes. Then you can spray the holes with the penetrating oil and wait for a few minutes before scrubbing it again with the wire brush.
Note: Wear gloves when scrubbing with a wire brush to prevent poking yourself.
Step 5: Spray Brake Cleaner On the Spark Plug
A brake cleaner can clean many car parts — including spark plugs.
Spray the brake cleaner on the plug, including threads and spark plug holes. Then wipe it off with a clean cloth to remove any remaining gunk.
If need be, you can use the brake cleaner and wire brush collectively to deal with stubborn filth. Then wipe thoroughly with a clean cloth to remove every bit of the brake cleaner that soaked up the grease and grime.
Step 6: Reinstall the Clean Plug and Repeat the Process for the Remaining Plugs
Now that you have a clean spark plug, place it back and reconnect the ignition coil or spark plug wire. Then repeat the entire spark plug cleaning process with each fouled spark plug and reinstall them.
To reinstall a clean spark plug:
- First, set the gap on the plug using a spark plug gap tool.
- Then seat the clean plug inside the spark plug socket with the threads facing out (firing end facing in).
- Twist it clockwise, at least 2 whole turns, by hand. Keep turning the spark plug till it’s snug.
- Now tighten the spark plug with a socket wrench or spark plug wrench.
- Finally, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Note: It’s important to connect the spark plug wire (spark plug lead) properly as it transmits the current needed to jump the gap between the central electrode and the ground electrode.
There’s another way of cleaning spark plugs as well.
Let’s check it out.
Method 2: Using a Blowtorch
Here’s how to clean spark plugs using a blowtorch:
Step 1: Hold the Spark Plug with Pliers
You’ll need to hold the spark plug with pliers to protect your hands from heat produced by the blowtorch. This is an essential safety measure, so you must take it seriously.
Don’t hold it too tight with the pliers, or you’ll damage the spark plug. Just let the plug sit in the pliers like a handle extension.
Step 2: Use Gloves and Turn on the Torch
Turn the knob on your propane torch, which lets the gas flow, and then hit the ignition button. The propane torch will then light up.
Step 3: Hold the Spark Plug in the Flame
The flames from the propane torch will burn the carbon buildup and dirt stuck on the fouled spark plug. Rotate the spark plug side to side as you hold it in the flame till the electrode and the end of the plug turn red hot.
Step 4: Let the Spark Plug Cool
Since the plug is now extremely hot, let it cool for some time. Once it has cooled entirely, you’ll have a clean spark plug ready for reinstallation.
Warning: The spark plug will turn from red hot to its normal color long before it has cooled enough to be able to touch.
Step 5: Repeat the Process for Each Dirty Spark Plug
Reinstall the clean plug once it has cooled down and reconnect the spark plug wire (or ignition coil). Then repeat the entire process for each dirty spark plug one by one.
Now, you probably have a few more concerns and queries. Let’s answer some of them.
4 FAQs About How to Clean Spark Plugs
Here are answers to some common questions about how to clean spark plugs:
1. Can I Clean an Old Spark Plug?
Yes, you can clean an old, fouled plug.
However, it’s best to opt for a spark plug replacement in most cases. That’s because an old spark plug won’t perform as well as a new spark plug.
After all, electricity discharges best from sharp edges that only a new plug can have.
Whereas a bad spark plug will have worn edges.
Moreover, the spark plug cleaning process can contribute to the wearing of the edges.
2. When Do I Need a New Spark Plug?
To understand if you have a fouled plug and need to replace it with a new plug, look for certain signs such as:
- Rattling, pinging, or knocking noises due to misfiring spark plugs
- Hard or jerky vehicle start
- Poor fuel economy
Ignoring these issues can lead to serious problems like engine damage and result in expensive repairs.
3. Can I Spray Carb Cleaner Inside the Spark Plug Hole?
Yes, you can spray carb cleaner (or carburetor cleaner) inside the spark plug hole.
This’ll help dissolve the hardened debris and loose materials in the spark plug well. After that, you can remove the filth with a compressed air can.
4. How to Set the Spark Plug Gap?
To do so, you’ll need a spark plug gap tool. Use it to correct the gap between the plug and the electrode.
Check the owner’s manual to find the accurate spark plug gap measure.
Then pry the electrode further from or closer to the plug’s body to increase or decrease the gap. Do this until the spark plug gap meets the car’s specifications.
Final Thoughts
Spark plug fouling can occur after 20,000 to 30,000 miles.
And it doesn’t matter if you wish to clean or opt for a spark plug replacement, it has to be done right because spark plug fouling can cause severe car issues.
Any debris in the spark plug hole or combustion chamber due to cleaning can damage the engine. And the car spark plug installation needs to be accurate with the right amount of tightness.
If you need help, you can always rely on a professional mechanic, like AutoNation Mobile Service. We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution available for you 7 days a week. AutoNation Mobile Service also offers competitive and upfront pricing on various car services and repairs.
Contact AutoNation Mobile Service today, and our expert technicians will clean your dirty spark plug or replace it, right in your garage, in a jiffy.