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Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs #2926321
05/24/21 11:03 PM
05/24/21 11:03 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
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On the run…
BloFish Offline OP
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I just buy new plugs, but I have some friends who swear by cleaning their used plugs. Is it worth the time and effort to clean used plugs, I don’t think so.


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Re: Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs [Re: BloFish] #2926337
05/24/21 11:42 PM
05/24/21 11:42 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,306
Laveen, Arizona
GTSDart340 Offline
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It saves you a few dollars, that's about it. Not worth it in my opinion.


1949 International KB-2 "Mater" - 302/T5

1968 Dodge Dart GTS "The Drat" - 340/727

2006 Dodge Magnum R/T - Hemi

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Re: Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs [Re: BloFish] #2926349
05/25/21 02:26 AM
05/25/21 02:26 AM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,750
Phila
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PhillyRag Online content
top fuel
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Phila
Originally Posted by BloFish
I just buy new plugs, but I have some friends who swear by cleaning their used plugs. Is it worth the time and effort to clean used plugs, I don’t think so.


If only carbon fouled, it's an easy job with a fine grit blaster.
But plugs with mileage/erosion, not really worth it.
Unless maybe plugs are very high $$$, or hard to come by.

Re: Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs [Re: PhillyRag] #2926380
05/25/21 08:06 AM
05/25/21 08:06 AM
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lewtot184 Offline
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i clean them and stick them back in or set them back for later all the time. it's easy to inspect plugs for wear or erosion and those i don't keep. it's a choice. do what makes you happy.

Re: Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs [Re: BloFish] #2926447
05/25/21 11:40 AM
05/25/21 11:40 AM
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Posts: 15,279
Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline
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back in the days of leaded fuel the 340's had a tendency to misfire / cr-p out under full throttle at higher RPM levels with more than about 500 - 1k miles on the plugs. A new set always corrected the issue as well as using one of the abrasive / air blasters like the
one pictured, they come in handy once in a while twocents

plug cleaner.jpg
Re: Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs [Re: BloFish] #2926476
05/25/21 01:07 PM
05/25/21 01:07 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,729
Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel Offline
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Unless the plugs are carboned up, I seen no benefit to cleaning plugs with today's unleaded fuel. In the old days with leaded gas, grit blasting would remove the lead residue on the porcelain and dislodge "clinkers".


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Re: Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs [Re: John_Kunkel] #2926663
05/25/21 09:24 PM
05/25/21 09:24 PM
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Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline
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Originally Posted by John_Kunkel
Unless the plugs are carboned up, I seen no benefit to cleaning plugs with today's unleaded fuel. In the old days with leaded gas, grit blasting would remove the lead residue on the porcelain and dislodge "clinkers".


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Re: Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs [Re: TJP] #2926679
05/25/21 10:13 PM
05/25/21 10:13 PM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,220
West Plains, MO
DrCharles Offline
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I always wondered if all the abrasive can be removed from the plug body, or does some of it end up in the cylinder...

The plugs on my 451 Dart with underchassis headers are sufficiently a PITA to remove that I always replace them with new ones! twocents

Re: Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs [Re: BloFish] #2926752
05/26/21 07:41 AM
05/26/21 07:41 AM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,162
USA
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360view Offline
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USA
In the early 2000s Chrysler used as OEM spark plugs Champion “Double Platinum” that have two tiny alloy discs per spark plug.

On the original OEM plugs and a replacement set, one or more these tiny alloy discs broke loose on my Mom’s 2005 3.3 V6 causing misfires.
These Champions were supposed to last +75,000 miles.

It is really hard to spot the missing disc because even when gone there is a circular weld mark.

A KAL 2969 computerized spark plug analyzer could not reliably spot the misfiring plugs, perhaps because of the “wasted spark” ignition system.

Sandblasting a used spark plug in my opinion could easily knock them off.

Maybe blast with baking soda or dry ice?

I switched to NGK Iridium tip spark plugs and the engine ran noticeably better all around, especially climbing steep Interstate grades.
No problems since.

Re: Benefit to cleaning used spark plugs [Re: DrCharles] #2926859
05/26/21 11:46 AM
05/26/21 11:46 AM
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Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline
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Omaha Ne
Originally Posted by DrCharles
I always wondered if all the abrasive can be removed from the plug body, or does some of it end up in the cylinder...


The units like the one I pictured above have 2 settings, 1 for the abrasive, and one for straight air. I have usually found a piece or two of the abrasive up inside between the ceramic & metal. A blast with a regular air nozzle, dental pick or similar device quickly dislodges them. If you're really concerned a blast with brake clean or alcohol will get any remaining dust. up beer







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