1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Cleaning Spark Plugs?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-21-05, 10:06 AM
  #1  
Burning Oil-Grinding 3rd

Thread Starter
 
Hades12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Union Mills NC
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Cleaning Spark Plugs?

I have a set of fouled plugs, At $20 a set I really dont want to just throw them away. Could I clean them with a sand blaster? would this get the back close to new?


Thanks
Old 04-21-05, 11:54 AM
  #2  
standard combustion

 
WackyRotary's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Twin Cities Minnesota
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You can, but the porclien I believe fractures as they age and can fall into the running engine possibly damaging something, and sand being pelted over that surface is not good either. I would prefer to not use.
Old 04-21-05, 11:59 AM
  #3  
Censored

iTrader: (14)
 
ray green's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Georgia
Posts: 11,368
Received 176 Likes on 137 Posts
I rub them on a wire brush to get the carbon black off, you can run the wires up into the crevice and it doesn't hurt the porcelain. Then use gas to wash away oils and touch up the contacts a bit with some fine sand paper. At $20 a set, those plugs are a bargain if they are the NKGs.

Ray
Old 04-21-05, 04:48 PM
  #4  
Lapping = Fapping

iTrader: (13)
 
Jeff20B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Near Seattle
Posts: 15,725
Received 70 Likes on 64 Posts
Yeah, wire wheel or wire brush is all I ever use.
Old 04-21-05, 04:58 PM
  #5  
Hybrid Samurai

 
RX-4X4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Andrews, NC
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I use media instead of sand and it works great. I do it everyday and have never had a problem. (Everyday on airplane sparkplugs)
Old 04-21-05, 05:19 PM
  #6  
Airflow is my life

 
Rx7carl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Orlando, Fl
Posts: 6,736
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Yea, aluminum oxide works great. You can buy a cheapie 12V setup from JC Whitney. More than pays for itself over the long run. Less than $10 IIRC.
Old 05-09-05, 03:21 PM
  #7  
Burning Oil-Grinding 3rd

Thread Starter
 
Hades12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Union Mills NC
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Thanks guys, I will try the JC Whitney Route. Where is a good place to get the aluminum oxide media?
Old 05-09-05, 04:22 PM
  #8  
raysspl.com

 
d0 Luck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: L.A.
Posts: 3,508
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
paint thinner and/or gasoline + steel wire/brush works
Old 05-09-05, 05:47 PM
  #9  
Lapping = Fapping

iTrader: (13)
 
Jeff20B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Near Seattle
Posts: 15,725
Received 70 Likes on 64 Posts
If you have the ability to clean the center electrode with media, it will reduce the chance of sparks jumping down through the carbon buildup on the porcelain. Since I don't have access to a media blaster, all I use is a wire brush or wheel and maybe some carb or brake cleaner, or gas. It works fine since I don't have a pig-rich running condition.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
07-01-23 04:40 PM
The1Sun
New Member RX-7 Technical
9
03-18-18 11:08 PM
alphawolff
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
17
11-17-15 05:57 PM
Joe428
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
16
08-19-15 06:24 PM



Quick Reply: Cleaning Spark Plugs?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:25 AM.