How to Clean Spark Plugs

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Remove and clean your spark plugs "one at a time" from your engine using a ratchet wrench with a spark plug socket.Caution: Getting wires back on in the wrong order can damage your engine

   Label and number each wire with tape and its matching hole with the same number, then you could remove all of the spark plugs at once.
   
   Don't remove the wire from the distributor unless you accurately number each outlet to match the plug and its cable.
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   Step 2: and certainly won't work

   , 90% strength alcohol, brake or carburetor/injector cleaner or mineral spirits are good choices that all work well when cleaning spark plugs. , Rinse well, brush, dig out any goop with a thin wire.
   
   Use the alcohol, brake or carburetor/injector cleaner or mineral spirits to quickly displace water to dry them.
   
   Dry well.
   
   Buy HCl available in a quite stronger liquid solution called Muriatic Acid, or Hydrochloric Acid (exact same stuff), at a hardware store, home building supply/lumberyard).Caution:
   Only dilute any strong acid by pouring it into water (the opposite can cause popping/splattering) of drops of strong solution. , Canned pressurized air will work well to remove tiny bits of debris if you don't have an air compressor. , This is an important step to take even when cleaning spark plugs that appear to be clean. , This extra blast of air simply eliminates any debris left on the spark plugs. , Gap the clean spark plugs to your automobile's specifications using a spark plug gap tool. , If the holes are extremely dirty, you can use the same solution to clean them that you used for your spark plugs. , Double-check that each wire/cable is replaced onto the correct spark plug as your go.
   
   Start your vehicle to see how well it runs now that the spark plugs are clean.
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   Step 3: by igniting fuel at the wrong times.

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   Step 4: Brush off any visible dirt and debris from your spark plugs with a clean rag.

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   Step 5: Clean the firing end of the spark plugs with a quick drying liquid.

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   Step 6: Alternatively

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   Step 7: wearing gloves and eye protection

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   Step 8: clean badly fouled plugs by soaking the firing end in about 1/2 inch (1.3cm) of a cheap brand of liquid toilet bowl cleaner for a few minutes (such as The Works

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   Step 9: in the USA) consisting of Hydrogen Chloride

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    Step 10: (HCl) sold in 20% strength.

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    Step 11: Blow any excess particles while cleaning spark plugs with low air pressure.

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    Step 12: Apply a dry compound to clean any excess dirt from the spark plugs that might not be visible to the eye.

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    Step 13: Blast the clean spark plugs again with the pressurized air.

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    Step 14: Use a wire brush to clean the threads of the spark plugs.

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    Step 15: Remove dirt oil and grime from each of the spark plug holes with a rag.

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    Step 16: Reinstall the clean spark plugs into the spark plug holes

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    Step 17: tightening to the correct torque.

Detailed Guide

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