Is Cleaning Spark Plugs Useful?
2 Answers
Cleaning spark plugs is useful. The methods for cleaning spark plugs include: 1. Using a spark plug cleaner; 2. Cleaning with carburetor cleaner; 3. Soaking in gasoline, kerosene, or acetone solvent, or boiling in alkaline water. The types of spark plugs are: 1. Standard spark plugs; 2. Insulator-protruding spark plugs; 3. Electrode-type spark plugs; 4. Seat-type spark plugs; 5. Pole-type spark plugs; 6. Surface-gap spark plugs. The working principle of spark plugs is: under the control of the engine, they introduce the high-voltage electricity generated by the ignition coil into the engine cylinder, creating a spark between the spark plug electrode gaps to ignite the mixed gas, ensuring the engine runs smoothly.
I often clean spark plugs myself, especially when my old car has noticeable jerking. Soaking them in carburetor cleaner for 20 minutes and scrubbing off carbon deposits with an old toothbrush works wonders—the electrodes regain their silvery-white color, ignition becomes much sharper, and the throttle feels more responsive. Just be careful not to scratch the ceramic insulator, let it dry completely before reinstalling, and apply some anti-seize compound to the threads. However, if the electrodes are severely blackened or the ceramic is cracked, it's better to skip the cleaning and just replace them—cleaned spark plugs still have a shortened lifespan anyway.
