What should be used to clean car spark plugs?
4 Answers
Car spark plugs should be cleaned with blue toilet cleaner, as follows: Soak the spark plug ignition electrode directly in pure toilet cleaner, and you will see a large amount of bubbles produced, which is caused by the chemical reaction between carbon deposits and the toilet cleaner. Place it in a ventilated environment for 10 minutes, and when the bubbles gradually decrease, take it out. If there are still black carbon deposits, you can soak it for a while longer, then rinse it with white vinegar. Do not rinse with water, just let it air dry. Spark plugs are mainly composed of a terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and shell. The working principle of a spark plug: The ground electrode of the spark plug is connected to the metal shell, which is threaded into the engine block through the cylinder head. The insulator mainly serves to isolate the metal shell and the center electrode. The terminal nut is the part of the spark plug that contacts the high-voltage coil. After the current passes through the terminal nut and the center electrode, it breaks down the medium between the center electrode and the ground electrode to produce a spark, thereby igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.
Regarding spark plug cleaning, I've been driving for over a decade and often encounter carbon buildup issues. There are various cleaning methods, with the most common being specialized spark plug cleaner spray - you spray it on and gently brush with a brush to remove surface carbon deposits. Without specialized cleaner, some people use fine sandpaper for polishing, but you must be careful not to scratch the electrodes. Soaking them in gasoline overnight before brushing also works, though it's smelly and flammable, requiring ventilation and keeping away from fire sources during operation. I believe the key is assessing the carbon buildup level - cleaning works for minor cases, but severely carbon-fouled or electrode-eroded plugs should be replaced directly. Otherwise, reinstalling them may cause hard starting and affect engine performance. I check my spark plugs during every maintenance - cleaning or replacing them saves fuel and ensures smooth acceleration. Remember, after cleaning you must use a multimeter to check if the gap is between 0.8 to 1.0 mm, otherwise ignition failure could become a serious problem.
From a professional auto repair perspective, there are generally several tools used for spark plug cleaning. The first choice is an ultrasonic cleaner, as its high-frequency vibrations can dislodge deeply embedded dirt, making it suitable for severe carbon buildup situations. Chemical cleaners are also commonly used - simply spray bottled products, soak for a few minutes, then scrub. Avoid household items like laundry detergent or vinegar, as these can corrode the metal and ruin the spark plugs. When cleaning, use a wire brush to gently clean the electrode edges - excessive force may cause micro-cracks that could lead to electrical leakage later. Checking the cleaned spark plug's color is also crucial: black-gray indicates remaining oil residue, while white spots suggest persistent carbon deposits, requiring re-cleaning or replacement. Cleaning can extend lifespan by several months, but installing new spark plugs better ensures stable ignition performance.
From a cost-saving perspective, cleaning spark plugs can be done with simple household methods. For example, use fine sandpaper dipped in a bit of engine oil to gently polish the electrode and remove carbon deposits; or soak the spark plug in a basin of gasoline for half an hour, then scrub it with a toothbrush. Avoid using strong chemical cleaners—they're expensive and not eco-friendly. Remember to wear gloves and goggles to prevent splashes and injuries. After cleaning, let it dry before reinstalling, which can save you dozens of dollars on replacement costs. However, if the spark plug is old or visibly deformed, cleaning may be ineffective, wasting both time and money—replacing it outright would be more cost-effective. Clean them regularly every 10,000 kilometers to maintain smooth engine performance and reduce frequent repair expenses.
