spark plugs

the best way is to sandblast, then check the gap, your good to go for another 50k.
 
Given the low cost involved, I'd argue that the best way to clean is to replace with new known-good ... and then solve the underlying too-rich or wrong heat range or oil-burning situation that caused them to be dirty in the first place, so that it doesn't happen again.
 
For sure this would be the best route but the plug is less than a month old and it cost almost $ 10 a piece. I just happened to make a mistake of not checking after adjusting the air mixture,( too rich) heavy carbon build up on 1 month of riding. If I can salvage it would be nice. At least for few more milage than what i got.
This would be another thing i want to learn anyway for being a newbie.

cheers
 
I haven't cleaned a sparkplug in awhile since they aren't all that expensive. When I do clean one though I wouldn't sandblast it. I would use a wire brush and a very small file. Wire brush to get off the loosest carbon/debris and then the very thin file (from a spark plug cleaning tool or similar) to file the electrode and ground prong square.
 
Based on $10 a plug comment I'm thinking these might be iridium? If they are, sandblasting or filing may not be the thing to do.
 
Do not file the plug...this may have been ok with the older plugs but on today's iridium and platinum plugs you will only damage the points.
Like already said replacement is the best solution.
If you must clean it use a copper brush and some brake/parts cleaner.
 
daisoman said:
Why do motorcycle plugs need to be replaced much earlier than car plugs?
Click to expand...

Most cars don't spend there lives at 12+ rpm's ;).
I've got 50k on my iridiums and there still fine, will be swapping them out this winter just for good measure.
 
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Any real difference between the regular NGK plugs and the Iridium? Other than longevity?
 
do you replace your valves every time you change your sparkplugs, because of carbon build up?...sparkplugs are electrical conductors. they can be used as a tool to read the burn in the combustion chamber for setting up fuel mixtures. people feel the need to replace them all too often because of old school thinking. the fuels of today, is a cleaner burn, where the carbon build up is slight, no more plug chops for fine tuning.
 
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