A few years ago, I had article how to clean spark plugsin it I spoke in detail about the chemical method of cleaning. However, many of us resort to the old sandpaper (in the people – "the skin"), a metal brush or even a file or needle file! Personally, I saw myself in the Parking lot when a guy is this method tried to remove the deposits from the iridium candles (just to get) is extremely wrong. So I decided to write an article about proper cleaning, as usual the video version at the end of the article.
THE CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE:
- Nagar norm or a fault?
- Types of candles
- Nickel option
- Iridium option
- Cleaning SILICON
First I want to say — sandpaper (and other physical effects), almost always leads to rapid failure of iridium spark plugs. So don't clean. But before we begin, I suggest to think, and how is it formed different type of carbon.
Nagar norm or a fault?
Everything is easy and simple, if your power unit is in order, then no deposits should not be! Of course, the candle will be slightly black, but it's fine on a healthy motor is almost always the Central insulator will be clean.
But if overgrown or black oily soot, black flakes, red patina, etc. Is not normal, it may indicate a malfunction:
- Power system
- Ignition system
- Fuel (possibly filled low quality, or metallic additives, will RAID red)
- Maybe missing valve seals or oil ring
- Corny wear candles (their electrodes need to be replaced)
- Red plaque
Even if you poured the wrong petrol, metallic additives (a red plaque). THAT is, change the dressing in the future, the candles themselves will be purified in the combustion chamber for a few hundred kilometers.
Types of candles
Much I recall now only two main types of spark plugs: this is the usual Nickel and iridium improved. I am not going to talk about two, three electrode options, though they have a Central electrode made primarily of Nickel.
The difference between the two basic types of cardinal:
- Nickel – have Central and side electrodes of Nickel alloy with other metals, can also be used, steel, etc. there are no precious metals, the Central electrode is made in the form of a cylinder.
- Iridium – it also has Central and side electrodes. Basis they are also made of conventional metals, however, there is a coating on top of several microns of iridium, platinum, and other precious options. This is done in order that the Central part which is sharpened like a needle, didn't burn from high temperatures.
It is worth noting cleaning of these two basic types, will vary greatly.
Is it possible to clean it with sandpaper? In principle, Yes, why not. Just need to do it. Don't need insanely rubbing the Central and lateral electrode, a couple of times spent ("nulevochkoy" and all).
However, it often happens that cleaning is a little different. Drive "sandpaper" so that the grind and the Central and side electrodes.
The danger is that the gap is growing, say was 1 mm, and was — 1.2 mm. Increase you won't feel on the eye, and for the ignition coils it will be noticeable. In the end, the spark will not be as concentrated, the engine will run worse.
Also when cleaning, there are many crumbs that can fall into the hole between the center electrode and side (circle), if not blow, the whole metal shavings, sand gets into the engine cylinders.
It is not necessary to break the geometry of the electrodes, it is not necessary to bevel (sharpening angle). It can cause incorrect functioning of the power plant.
Mechanical cleaning, these options do not have to be made. Hear THAT is, "the IRIDIUM – PLATINUM", forget about the "sandpaper", the files, metal brushes, etc.
Let me explain why: as I wrote above, inside such candles is usually metal, and usually the Central electrode is thin (you can tell a sharpened needle). However, the top and the "Central" and "side" covered with several microns of the noble metal to improve the characteristics and increase the service life.
BUT if you RUB "sandpaper", then the layer you removed, in the end, this candle will quickly burn out – fail.
Therefore, no physical effects, only the chemical
You can use various methods. Personally checked SILIT, a tool for cleaning cookers and ovens from scale, various types of carbon, etc.
The principle is very simple, take a plastic Cup, pours in there is 50 grams of means, drop the candle for a few hours and wait.
Then take a normal toothbrush and clean. After wash with plain water, dry and you're done. THIS is a CHEMICAL CLEANING METHOD, it is the most correct and practically painless.
By the way, some of my readers (and viewers), wrote that it is possible to clean with an eraser, it also effectively removes plaque.
All these described methods of purification, is more correct than mechanical.