How to Clean Carbon Deposits on Spark Plugs?

[HoldenLee]

Methods to clean carbon deposits on spark plugs: 1. Remove the spark plugs from the engine; 2. Take a square beverage bottle and cut four holes slightly larger than the spark plug threads on it; 3. Lay the bottle flat, pour white vinegar into it, then place the spark plugs into the holes, ensuring the white vinegar just covers the spark plug electrodes; 4. Depending on the severity of the carbon deposits, determine the soaking time, generally 3 to 5 hours, for particularly severe cases, it can be extended but should not exceed 12 hours; 5. Remove the spark plugs and scrub them with a soft-bristled brush like a toothbrush to clean off the carbon deposits.

[LaneMarie]

I've done the job of cleaning spark plug carbon deposits many times and have plenty of experience. After turning off the engine, wait for it to cool down for half an hour, then remove the high-voltage wire and unscrew the spark plug with a professional wrench. The carbon deposits can be soaked in gasoline or a professional cleaner for five minutes, then gently brushed with a soft brush, being careful not to touch the fragile electrode part. After that, dry it with compressed air or let it air dry for thirty minutes. Before reinstalling, check the gap; it's best to keep it between 0.8-1.0 mm, otherwise, it may affect ignition. Using high-quality gasoline or occasionally using fuel additives can prevent carbon buildup and extend the life of the spark plugs. If you're not skilled, don't force it; it's easier and more convenient to just replace them, costing only a few dozen yuan. I recommend checking every 20,000 kilometers to ensure the engine runs smoothly. Safety first—wear gloves when working to avoid electric shock.

[Raphael]

Cleaning carbon deposits from spark plugs is quite simple: Step 1, turn off the engine and let it cool down, then remove the high-voltage wire. Step 2, use a spark plug wrench to unscrew the spark plug. Step 3, prepare gasoline or carburetor cleaner to soak the carbon deposits for 10 to 15 minutes. Step 4, gently brush off surface dirt with a soft toothbrush, avoiding sandpaper to prevent scratching the electrodes. Step 5, after washing and drying, ensure the gap is appropriate (about 0.9mm) before reinstalling. If the carbon deposits are too severe to clean, it's recommended to replace the spark plug for quicker results. Preventive measures include using good fuel additives and avoiding low-speed driving to allow the engine to burn more cleanly. Doing it yourself at home can save some money, but make sure you have the right tools and watch tutorial videos if you're inexperienced. Regular maintenance can reduce problems, saving both fuel and hassle.

[LaMaria]

A simple method I learned for cleaning carbon deposits from spark plugs: Remove the high-voltage wire, take out the spark plug, and soak it in gasoline for a while. Use a small toothbrush to clean off the carbon deposits, being careful not to apply too much force to avoid damage. After drying, inspect and reinstall, adjusting the gap to around 0.8mm. Adding some fuel additive regularly helps prevent carbon buildup, and the car performs better after cleaning. Replacing with new parts is the lazy option, saving money and hassle. I check every 30,000 kilometers to keep the engine running smoothly.