Cleaning fouled plugs.
#1019841
06/24/11 07:27 PM
06/24/11 07:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,309
Tomorrow.
Damned67
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,309
Tomorrow.
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Hi All,
Sadly, I only drive my car a couple of times a year (that has to change). That said, I do run it in the driveway on a regular basis. As a result of the extended idling, the plugs tend to foul on a yearly basis.
Now, I know that the best solution is replacement, but over here in Oz, for some bizarre reason, we're paying $4.75 USD per plug. If I can, I'd prefer to avoid paying nearly $40 for a set of plugs.
So, I'm thinking of spraying the plugs with some starting fluid, and clean with some 240 grit paper?
Suggestions?
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Re: Cleaning fouled plugs.
[Re: Damned67]
#1019844
06/24/11 08:05 PM
06/24/11 08:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,287
West Coast, USA
jbc426
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,287
West Coast, USA
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It shouldn't be fouling them, even if it's only run a few times a year. How is your tune set up?
What is your initial, mechanical and total timing set at?
How do you have your floats set?
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
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Re: Cleaning fouled plugs.
[Re: MoparforLife]
#1019847
06/24/11 08:57 PM
06/24/11 08:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
No matter what you use the longevity of the plugs is gone, once they are fouled they don't seem to last after cleaning.
Yes and no, like what was said, you got to get it tuned up.
For about close to 10 years I glass beaded 4 spark plugs out of a fork/lift truck that had 4 cyl ford engine in it. It's a 1969 hyster and I cleaned those plugs for like 10 years until I replaced the very exspensive governed carb(that I didn't want to buy) with a propane vaporizer and mixer and it still runs today on that same LP kit. It did finally get a new engine a couple years ago. But with careful attention to detail(get em completely clean of any glass beads) it can be effective. But there's never a replacement for new plugs.
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Re: Cleaning fouled plugs.
[Re: yella71]
#1019852
06/25/11 01:48 AM
06/25/11 01:48 AM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,848
Memphis
HemiRick
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,848
Memphis
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I 2nd this idea hit them with a map gas or propane torch and they'll be white again in no time.
Take care,
Rick
68 Coronet R/T 440 & 68 Charger 528 Hemi,and 5 Challengers! 6 cyl, 318, 360, 383, 451
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Re: Cleaning fouled plugs.
[Re: Damned67]
#1019855
06/25/11 03:38 AM
06/25/11 03:38 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,309
Tomorrow.
Damned67
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,309
Tomorrow.
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Hi All, Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll try a combination of all of them (including beating the snot out of the car more regularly!). I have an LM-1 A/F meter, so I'm generally confident of the state of tune. However, when it was idling the other day, it was running quite rich. Unfortunately, it's pretty much 6-12month old gas in there too. So I think it's a combination of the idling and the old gas that's causing the plugs to foul. I just need to clean them up, beat on it to get it warm, adjust the valves and then see where we sit. (and check the oil for fuel contamination!). Cheers! 
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Re: Cleaning fouled plugs.
[Re: Damned67]
#1019856
06/25/11 08:43 AM
06/25/11 08:43 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,083
Niles , Ohio
therocks
oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
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oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,083
Niles , Ohio
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Years ago it was standard practice to clean plugs.As said the small blaster was used.Insert plug hook up air and blast them.I rebember my old man going to the garage and having the points changed and the plugs changed.It usually cost about 15 bucks total.Every second or third point change they replaced the plugs.Back them a set of plugs and labor on a BB Mopar was about 25 to 30 bucks.That was a couple of days pay.Rocky
Chrysler Firepower
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Re: Cleaning fouled plugs.
[Re: mickm]
#1019857
06/25/11 08:46 AM
06/25/11 08:46 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,278
San Jose, California
DennisH
Vacation
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Vacation
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,278
San Jose, California
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Quote:
i 2nd the idea of letting it truly warm up an hammer the snot out of it, literally. you need the whole engine up to operating temp, and to run it there for at least a short time, and not just idling. you also need to heat up the exhaust system and blow the condensation out of it, or it is just moisture sitting there to rust it all out.
3rd. Put StaBil in the fuel too.
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