The spark plugs are a fundamental element for the correct functioning of the internal combustion engine, as they serve to generate the spark that ignites the mixture of fuel and oxygen, thus making the engine turn. Despite being small components, if the spark plugs get dirty they can compromise the correct functioning of the entire engine. The spark plugs become dirty because residue deposits form on the electrodes, due to particles of unburned gas, oil or fuel. If the spark plugs are dirty, the spark that ignites the mixture does not ignite freely, and this leads to inefficient use of the fuel, possible problems such as the engine running in fits and starts due to sparks not present in the affected cylinder. When you find yourself in these conditions, you can decide to clean the spark plugs without the help of the mechanic and before buying new ones. Follow the advice described in this article and you will be able to perform this cleaning without resorting to others.
Steps
Step 1. Disassemble and clean the spark plugs one at a time, using a rotary head wrench of the correct size for the specific spark plugs
Attention:
Reconnecting the cables without respecting the correct order can damage the engine and certainly prevent it from functioning correctly, igniting the fuel at the wrong times.
Identify and number each wire and slot so they can be associated without errors, then you can disassemble all the candles. Do not disassemble cables without first identifying them correctly.
Step 2. Remove any more noticeable residues and deposits on the spark plug with a rag
Step 3. Then clean the electrodes with a liquid that dries quickly
90% liquid alcohol to clean the carburetor or injectors, or mineral oils are all valid alternatives for cleaning the spark plugs
Step 4. Alternatively, wear protective gloves and goggles and clean stubborn encrustations by soaking the electrodes in 1.5cm of toilet cleaner, which is 20% hydrochloric acid solution
rinse carefully, and remove any residue with wire. To dry completely, you can use mineral oil, alcohol or liquid to clean the carburetor / injectors.
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You can get hydrochloric acid or the equivalent muriatic acid from the detergent department or drugstore.
Attention: To dilute an acid, pour it into the water, do not do the opposite as you may cause bubbles and splashes of acid.
Step 5. To remove dirt particles, use compressed air
Compressed air canisters work well in case you don't have a compressor available
Step 6. Apply a drying paste to remove dirt that is not visible to the naked eye
This step is important for cleaning candles even if they already look clean
Step 7. Pass the spark plugs again under a jet of compressed air
This new passage under the compressed air serves to eliminate any residue from the clean spark plugs
Step 8. Use a wire brush to clean the spark plug threads
Check that the gap between the electrodes is correct according to the manufacturer's specifications
Step 9. Wipe off oil residue and dirt from the spark plug housings before reassembling them
If the housings are very dirty, you can use the same products used for cleaning candles
Step 10. Screw the spark plugs back into their housings, tightening according to the manufacturer's directions
Check carefully that the connections are correct.
Turn on the vehicle to check operation with clean spark plugs
Advice
- After cleaning the spark plugs, if the engine is not running properly, consider getting new ones. Cleaning can sometimes delay replacement, but wear still requires new spark plugs when the electrodes are too worn to function properly.
- Before removing the spark plugs, wait until the engine is cold.
- Tools for measuring the correct electrode gap can be found in auto shops.
- If there are deposits that are difficult to clean with the products listed above, you can try scraping with a knife.
Warnings
- Do not clean or reuse candles that have deposits that you cannot remove, or that are not intact.
- Clean candles do not have the same lifespan as new ones. However, wear makes it necessary to replace it, and the cleaning and maintenance explained here only prolongs its life.
