How to clean spark plugs from carbon deposits at home
Content
Spark plugs are special devices for igniting fuel fluid in a car engine. They are a necessary element for the normal operation of the motor. In a working candle, the thermal cone of the insulator has shades of pale gray or brown, the electrodes are without erosion.
If the spark plugs fail, then the engine cannot perform its functions.
Causes of carbon deposits on spark plugs
The reasons for candle contamination are:
- use of low quality gasoline;
- manufacturing defects;
- plant the engine at a low temperature.
These are the most common reasons, others are much less common.
How to identify a malfunction?
The signs by which you can understand that the candle is faulty include:
- difficult starting of the engine;
- features of the motor's activity: it twitches, but there is no power and thrust;
- fuel is consumed a lot, and the exhaust contains a lot of carbon;
- the power of the motor decreases, it does not increase the speed.
It is also important to pay attention to the color of the candle. Car candles are exposed to high temperature, pressure, and chemical attack during operation. Therefore, their pollution occurs, which can be of a different nature.
If a gray coating appears on the electrodes, then there is no cause for concern. When black, white or red soot appears, not only the replacement of the spark plugs is required, but also the engine diagnostics. The color of the coating indicates a specific malfunction.
Cleaning spark plugs at home
Yes, it is quite possible to try to clean such candles on your own. There are several ways to clean your car spark plugs.
- Cleaning candles with sandpaper. You need to take a brush with steel bristles and fine sandpaper, and simply clean the surface.
- Cleaning candles with household chemicals. An excellent anti-limescale and rust detergent is ideal for this. It is diluted in water, the candles are dipped in a solution and left in it for 30 minutes. Then washed with water and dried.
- Cleaning candles with ammonium acetate. You must first wash the candles in gasoline and dry them. Heat the ammonium acetate solution to a boil and immerse the candles in it for half an hour. Then rinse with hot water and dry.
- Cleaning candles with a rust neutralizer for cars and acetone. Soak candles in a chemical for 1 hour, then clean the electrodes with a thin stick, rinse with water and dry.
- Cleaning candles with acetic acid. Leave the candles in acid for 1 hour, remove and drip a few drops of battery electrolyte, clean with a wooden stick, rinse and dry.
- Various carbonated drinks work well with candle carbon deposits. You need to immerse the candle in the solution and heat for about thirty seconds. Repeat this operation several times.
How to avoid problems in the future?
In order for the car to work properly, it is necessary to replace the spark plugs every 35-45 thousand kilometers. It is also worthwhile to periodically inspect them and, if the above signs of malfunctions are found, take action as soon as possible. Then unexpected troubles are practically excluded.
Video for cleaning spark plugs from carbon deposits
Questions and answers:
How to clean spark plugs with baking soda? Acetic acid is poured into the container, spark plugs are lowered there for 30-40 minutes, and every 10 minutes. are stirred. Soda is added and the carbon is removed with a toothbrush.
Can spark plugs be cleaned with a carburetor cleaner? Yes, but the spark plugs must first be cleaned of carbon deposits. A soft metal brush is suitable for this. Carbon deposits are carefully removed so as not to disturb the gap.
What is the best way to flush spark plugs? You can use any plumbing chemical (acid-based for descaling). The candles are dipped into the solution and then cleaned and rinsed.
