Fouled Spark Plugs - cleaning and testing
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 มี.ค. 2015
- How to clean a fouled or dirty spark plug.
What is a fouled plug?
Why does it happen?
The bike won't start... it misfires.
What caused it?
I ran too long on a rich setting, causing carbon build up.
The carbon presented a nice path for the High Tension Voltage, as an alternative to jumping across the spark plug gap.
It manifests itself as a sharp misfire from time to time.
To prevent this, I developed the neccesary carburettor tuning software.
This can be downloaded at fuelmapper.com/
(try Firefox if it doesn't display)
Here is a video to introduce Carburettor Tuning For Performance (worth a look).
th-cam.com/users/edit?o=U&vide... - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
I have made a follow up video to this one:
th-cam.com/video/DX9gaNJFy1g/w-d-xo.html
In fact, click on my channel name, and have a browse ... there's all sorts of vids on technical matters that might interest you.
(check out the playlists)
You will discover tips for life, that have been acquired from decades of experience.
... Information that you didn't know that you needed.
If you know anyone building an engine, or who likes working on their motorcycle
... consider 'sharing' this engine assembly series with them: th-cam.com/play/PLeHV-kNBKNNeLhnipp00LU6xcpqGtBSgr.html
You will be doing them a favour.
(I'm passing on my knowledge to the next generation)
For carburettor tuning settings, and Carb Tuning Software, visit:
fuelmapper.com/ for the carburettor tuning software download - you will find this useful.
(try Firefox if it doesn't display)
Here is a video to introduce Carburettor Tuning For Performance (worth a look).
th-cam.com/users/edit?o=U&video_id=MS4t-jSNMFA
-----------------------------
What about a 50 minute 'step by step guide to understanding motorcycle wiring diagrams'?
th-cam.com/video/Bb8ievq1TsE/w-d-xo.html
(it's worth knowing it is there, for when you need it)
-----------------------------
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In my experience, some plugs, if they start fouling, are pretty much doomed. You can clean them up temporarily and get them running again but they'll re-foul quite quickly.
A quick blast of soda works great for cleaning the carbon and gunk off the insulator and electrodes without damaging them, then you can just give them a wash in some water and burn the water off with a propane torch (do not hold the spark plug in your hand while you do this 😁it goes from slightly warm to OW SHIT very fast). If you don't have a sandblaster loaded with soda in your shop you can soak them in carb or brake cleaner and then hit them with the torch.
Straight to the point without all the preamble. Thank you for this video. Cheers!
Great info. Just what I was looking for.
I just soak mine in lacquer thinner for a half hour or so... no need to scrape or heat.
Out of all the spark vids this was most descriptive..
👊💥😁 Thank you...
For all those saying he's cheap and should buy new ones well you know there are different circumstances where the car isn't running correctly. Running rich for some reason and it takes time to pin point the issue. Buying plugs every time they get fouled till the issue is found would turn out the be very expensive.
Thanks for your input :)
You are of course correct.
This is the exact reason why I took an interest in plug cleaning.
For me, and typically for many people, it was after modifying the engine.
In this situation the safe tuning method specifically requires that the carb is first set to rich.
:)
@@EngineTuning yes sir, im actually going through this problem at the moment..
97 camaro ss lt1 with new 355 big cam ported heads and everything that goes along with it. Well, all the plugs are fouled charcoal black and its only got like 40 miles on the engine . Took plugs out on one side of the engine cleaned them up with break cleaner and some sand paper.
I would suggest not using sand paper.
It can cause the sparks to dance, as the resulting peaks on the electrode can be too deep (from the scratches).
If using an abrasive method; go for the finest wet & dry,
Cut a load of thin strips ... they clog quickly but will leave a smooth surface.
Otherwise, use the drain de-blocker method, as described here:
th-cam.com/video/DX9gaNJFy1g/w-d-xo.html
@@EngineTuning yep, using 2000 grit i had left over from polishing my headlights.
Thanks
@97sswcubes 78 ... nice feedback, much appreciated :)
Excellent job !!
Great video! Thank you for posting.
This is the best spark plug video I’ve seen!! 🙂 thank you 🙏 I will be cleaning my Ngk spark plugs this way! My iridiums are very expensive!! Oven cleaner is genius!!!
Ah yes ... the spirit of adventure :D
Don't you just love it :)
I'm as cheap as chips. Love any tight assesd video/solution like this :)
A fool and their money are easily parted :D
I wish i was like this with no problem but i be so skeptical about thangs
GIT R DONE!!!! Some plugs aint cheap. Any dollar saved counts.
You mentioned *spark dance* on one comment; what is that please, does it mean that BOTH electrodes ,the tip of the inner and the under portion of the curved one need to be fine polished? like with 2000 grit sandpaper? is there any film where i can see that? THANKS
i am amazed at your knowledge of these things(you also mentioned that wires better be polished...)
where can one learn about that?
Abrasive cleaning of the plug is best achieved using micro abrasive media in a sand blaster or peening machine.
If this is not available, then a 2000 finishing grit will do the trick.
Polishing the HT plug cable, helps prevent the formation of condensation.
Condensation provides a path for voltage leaks to earth.
Oh this is so helpful, I'm terrible!
It's always nice to be helpful :)
Good Evening . Thank you very much for this video. I want to ask you this: all spark plugs - no matter what brand or if they are NGK all types NGK new ones when the readings show the same ohmic resistance? E.G. the NGK (BKR6EQU), (6002) new how much should it read? New I had not measured it but at 54,000 kilometers when I changed them and measured them they show (4.16) k.
Regarding all this, what is your opinion?
Thank you .
Some spark plugs have a resistor within the plug.
Some don't, and require the resistor to be in the plug cap.
The resistors are subjected to heat and vibration - they can degrade.
This can cause analysis problems...
A friend had a bike that would play up after 15 minutes riding.
He was at a complete loss.
I changed his plug cap, and the problem was solved :)
PlayF1 Net Hello again,i see you don't have any video about magneto,stator,,i have a problem again ,i don't have spark,at my am6 engine i have a minarelli ducati stator,magneto with 4 wires,red,yellow,green and black for the ground,now i don't know where to put these 3 wires red,green and yellow,maybe you know something,i have a black box i think is the CDI in front ,close to the radiator and there are 4 slots,one for red,one for white(i don't have a white wire) and 2 slots for green,my bike has no key i start only from the kick starter and when i stop i put in first gear and let the clutch,i don't have a diagram and even if i had i don't know how to read it,and under the saddle i have another small box with no slots,i think is a battery and has 3 wires(2 black.one grey) and they come in one plastic idk how to call it that has 2 slots where you can connect wires and i have another yellow it comes again from that box under the saddle,i forgot where they must be from the last year when i took the magneto off,maybe you know something that can help me and maybe others, i talked with others on youtube but they don't know.
The torch method is my go to lately
Yeah, that does work :)
Would you recommend this for 2 stroke engines ?
If it is running rich, you either clean them, or buy a new plug.
When tuning a carb, you could buy 3 plugs; get the mix right; then clean fouled plug(s).
Hi. Can we use sandpaper to sand away the carbon deposits? TQ
The main problem to avoid is a dancing spark.
... from scratch peaks.
:)
I like your video, but I would feel much happier if your wore rubber gloves and safety glasses when you would flick that caustic over cleaner into your eye. Other wise, a helpful video. Thank you.
+Chris Tarakson
Yes... you are right... I should have shown more responsibility vis a vis safety education.
I do wear specs anyway, so I tend to be a bit lacks in the area of goggles.
The oven cleaner is for home retail, so it isn't supremely vicious, but still.........
I'll add a warning comment.
Thanks for the alert :)
...... Okay.... done :)
@@EngineTuning You REALLY need to treat alkaline substances with far more FEAR than acids when it come to get it in your eye.
acids just burn the surface of your eye.
highly basic substances penetrate your eye and do major damage (it type that never heals back complete or even close.
like "LEMON FRESH PINE-SOL® ALL PURPOSE CLEANER " (the MSDS states it's ph is 10-11
which my chemistry professor long ago told us that was what got in to his wife's eye.
It had happened 5 years prior to him telling us this and she still hadn't regained site in her eye.
there are documentation of examples of eyeballs vs acids and the others alkaline. they seamed to be hard for me to find but maybe you will have luck sooner than i did.
Is that remove inside bike dest using wd40 inside fuel tank
Do not put wd40 inside the fuel tank, unless you wish to experiment.
It may burn okay, but I have no experience in using it as a fuel additive.
There may be complications with Ethanol mixed fuel.
For a 4 stroke, it may provide some top end lubrication, and it could absorb moisture (allowing it to be burnt off).
However, the burn will not be as clean as petrol, so it is more likely to produce carbon deposits, than remove them.
For 2 strokes ... the fuel has oil in it, that is designed for combustion and lubrication.
A superior additive is acetone.
It will absorb moisture AND it breaks down the surface tension of the fuel droplets.
This enables superior vaporisation of the fuel, and therefore better combustion.
In fact, it will 'even out' any minor maladjustment of the carburettor.
The fuel burn will be cleaner and slightly hotter.
This often results in the spark plug being self cleaned during normal use.
... I have found this to be the case.
You will find that, instantly, the motor runs smoother; producing more power.
Only a very small quantity is required - 0.4% is sufficient, to gain an immediate improvement
... 200ml acetone to 50 litres fuel (even 100ml to 50 litres works well).
Great for winter running; particularly in diesel engines.
It is also a great additive for paraffin / kerosene heaters ... it pays for itself with the higher heat output, and you get cleaner fumes.
i have a scooter and it doesnt start....i checked everything, from wires to fuel filter...do you have any clue why is that?
You have to take a logical approach.
Replace the spark plug, plug cap, and HT lead.
Does it have a spark?
If so, then does it have fuel?
Does it feed too much fuel (wet plug)?
Is it new fuel?
Fit a fuel tap, so that you know that fuel is flowing to the carb.
Clean the carb jets.
Are they the correct size?
Do all the basic stuff, and keep trying to start it, after you have worked on an area, such as when you changed the plug assembly.
Be methodical.
Good luck!
:)
@@EngineTuning thanks for the help!
Can i use brake cleaner to clean it?
After you have cleaned out the carbon, you can blast away any debris (with the BC spray can), and the brake cleaner will evaporate away.
... but it wont dissolve the carbon ;)
I use a wire wheel on my drill.very quick and effective.
Yeah, it's a common fix,
The problem for high performance engines is that the wires can cut grooves, and create misfires.
Anyway, if your fix works, that's great :)
I am always very scared of that:: porcelain is way harder than the wires of the wire wheel,and the wires kind of "plate" the porcelain making it conductive, and that is a spark killer; at least , use maybe steel wire wheel, brass will easily "paint" the porcelain.
Buy a new plug ya tight ass! Lol
LOL... I know :D
They are cheap enough when buying half a dozen
I think I paid £1.80 each from Greens, and £3 shipping.
But good fun anyway :)
Sorry mate I'm having dramas with a Chinese bike I have and Its doing my head in. But your video is good. Im in Australia btw. I had it running very nicely when hot, adjusting the fuel air etc perfect then on starting a day later it was unresponsive and flattened the batt 3 times trying! I'm lost
Sounds like it could be earth leakage.
I did a wiring tutorial... it could be worth a look.
th-cam.com/video/Bb8ievq1TsE/w-d-xo.html
It doesn't deal with the ignition in depth, but you might gain an understanding of how the different elements of the circuit work together, and impact upon the battery.
Disconnecting the general wiring to leave only the ignition, would focus your attention on a small area.
The plug needs a 'voltage overhead' to allow it to spark under compression and fuel load.
So it might start okay, but fail under load.
The plug cap is a classic fault that bamboozles everybody (they don't think about the plug cap).
Polish the HT lead... this prevents surface leakage.
Remove the stop wire from the coil (stop it by stalling).
Check all the ignition cable from the stator... they can rub and touch.
Clean all the contacts.
Obviously... fit a new plug ;)
If it runs without a battery... disconnect it, and the starter lead (bump start it)
If none of the above fixes it, it will be the coil or the stator ;)
Wow thanks for the info! You are very helpful and very knowledgeable. I will try all of your suggestions. I'm sure it's simple so to speak but you know engines! Simple but complex. Thank you so much
Good luck!
I have a 2 headed wire brush that works wonders on the plugs.
Yes, they are fine for a quick surface brush up, but...
They can't get to the carbon build up between the metal thread interior, and the porcelain :)
Most oven cleaners contain LYE - be very careful!
what about hydrogen peroxide to clean
It's possible, but I don't have it, to test it .
Grill cleaner you know the stuff you clean your BBQ with. Soak over night and then scrub a bit with a wire brush. Hit it with a blow torch or any flame that's hot and burn it all away.
Thanks for the comment :)
In the 2nd video in this series, I looked at 'grill cleaner' and drain deblocker.
The drain deblocker worked the best.
th-cam.com/video/DX9gaNJFy1g/w-d-xo.html
? didn't think of the drain deblocker but but yeah that would work as well. I've had good luck with the grill cleaner but I might try the other method if ever needed. :) little tricks are always good to have on hand :)
Yes, the drain deblocker is stronger by a mile.
The grill cleaner must be safer because it is being sprayed.
The drain deblocker is poured down the drain, so no probs with safety.
For us, it is just a need to make the family aware of what is happening ;)
@@EngineTuning do not mix it with gas.. I’ve heard some things.. edit: I’ve also heard if you search it, you go on a watchlist..
@@bmint I don't know anything about a watch list, but mixing it in my Berlingo 1.9 Peugeot diesel is fine (it's just a simple diesel engine).
In fact, it helps in the winter weather, particularly when mixed with a drop of acetone ... the engine purrs :)
It's Clean Nuts
Do you use that toothbrush on you teeth when you are finished cleaning ? I do... I also usually use my toothbrush to clean the toilet after I have cleaned the plugs. Then I put it back in the bathroom ready for my next teeth clean
I would say that many people do the same.
The practice arises from the toothbrush tax, when only one toothbrush per household was tax free.
Each additional toothbrush was taxed at an onerous 1 shilling.
While the act has long since been repealed, the practice of maintaining just one toothbrush per household has continued, particularly in and around London and the southern counties.
You must have been a mechanic in your past life.
@@EngineTuning damm.. for a moment i thought you were serious *LOL*
You like a braking bad movie huisanburg
Did he just recommend me to buy an oven cleaner, spray it on my spark plug and brush it with a toothbrush? 😂
This comment is no hate tho!
Hahaha ... pretty much that ;)
Use wire brush better than tooth brush
Not a traditional wire brush with steel wires.
The wire brush would leave scratches, and that is not good for a high performance engine.
A COPPER wire brush would be fine.
Now try cleaning your house. With that torch
How about buying new one instead of buying chemical solution within the same price just sayin
Obviously, that is clear ... these plugs cost £1.80 and I had about 6 new plugs at that time.
However, that was not the point of the investigation ;)
:)
not good
Use sandpaper to erase this black carbon
This would likely cause unwanted scratching, which in turn would create a problem for stable spark creation.
It will remove carbon deposits, but the fix isn't ideal, so it should only be used in emergency.
New plugs are nothing these days. Id save all that time and trouble just put in a new plug.
Yes for sure, the last batch I bought was 6 of the same plug, plus a couple hotter and a couple colder.
This wasn't just about cleaning the plug ... though why not?
It's all about being in control, and not being stuck (because you don't know anything about how things work) ;)
My plugs are 120 for 4. Cleaning them once or twice is not being cheap its being smart
A decent plug will run you 5-9 bucks.Buy 6-8 of them and that's 30-70 bucks or you could clean them and have that money for another new part(s)
british bruh
Is there ANYONE who makes videos anymore who does NOT have an accent that is hard to understand? Tired of not being able to know what is being said
Hahaha!
If you are struggling to understand me, then it would seem that you are truly lost :)
Is this 'your fault'?
Some would say not ... "you are a victim of your upbringing" (they will say).
However; we should not discount 'free will' (in all of this) ;)
JUST GET SOME NEW ONES.ITS A SIN TO BE A CHEAPASS. WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D Haha!
... but also it is a sin not to search for the truth... :)
I did that mine keeps going out and I'm running out of money ;)
Shaky camera and offshore accent is annoying to Americans
Hahahah!
Since when have Americans begun bringing accents into the conversation LOL.
Hahahah ... you've given everyone a laugh :D