April 20, 201214 yr Looking at my increasing collection of Cub spark plugs that have virtually no wear (less than 8 hours use) but have been removed because they are 'sooted' up, I decided to take the plunge and invest in a Spark Plug Cleaner. Basically it is a mini bead blaster that plugs into a compressor air line. Before you respond, I am also taking steps to resolve my dirty plug habit! I note that the cleaning medium is cast iron balls rather than sand (silicon) and have ordered a spare bag as I have no idea how long it will last. Does anyone have any experience using one of these devices and/or any tips? (not spark plug tips!) If not, I'll let you know how I get on. These tools seem well suited for trials bike applications where wear isn't the issue although I do have a reputation for rash impulse buying things I don't really need (my wife has banned me from Aldi!). Bruce.
April 20, 201214 yr Author 1. Too easy and I thought wire brushing plugs was a bit of a 'no no'. 2. A wire brush may not reach those little crevices! Anyway, I see it's arrived, so I'll unpack it and give it a go!
June 18, 201214 yr I had a similar thing years ago, but used fine silica grit and an electric impeller arrangement instead of air, ran off a car battery. Worked a treat, sadly it got nicked and I couldn't find a replacement, good luck with yours. Dave
June 19, 201214 yr I just leave then in my pocket or tool box for a while and they seem to fix them selves.
June 20, 201214 yr They do clean the plugs ok.............but the grit can stay in the plug trapped in the tapered cone between insulator & the metal body of the plug so do air line clean very carefully. Better though to get it running right. Edited June 20, 201214 yr by trialsrfun
June 20, 201214 yr Blimey that takes me back 30 yrs, i had a silica based one on the bench and used to clean a selection of plugs before each Trial - 2 for each pocket if memory serves me right, so there was equal weight distribution in my TT Leathers jacket
June 21, 201214 yr I had one years ago. PLEASE..... check the plug is very very very clean before putting into the cylinder. The silica with mark the bore so quickly.
June 21, 201214 yr The best way to clean a spark plug is spray with carb cleaner then leave a while, that usually cures them or warm with a heat gun.
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