Fouled plugs - can they be rescued

Hi guys,

If plugs have been fouled is there any way to clean them or restore them to being functional again.

I have a ducati that is running rich and fouling plugs. I know I have a carb rebuild ahead and this will fix it (waiting on the workshop manual..).

The plugs have less than 500Km on them. Is there any way to get them operational again?

Is cleaning them enough?

 

From my old 2-stroke motocross days, all I used to do was use a propane torch to burn the excess fuel / oil off the plug. I never had a problem doing this for any bike or snowmobile I've ever owned.

 

Excellent

I thought it would be possible. Thanks for the post

 

plugs...

"rescue" plugs??.....

Time to ask your McManager for a raise...

 

LOL...

I don't like to throw away something that can still serve its function (assuming it won't hurt my bike reusing it).

Even more so when I know the problem will happen again (and will only be fixed when carby sorted).

Thanks though, your post was extremely helpful.... NOT

 

I thought it would be that simple but didn't want to risk harm to my bike. Thanks guys..

 

Good to know. Knowledge like this starts to get lost when its so easy to replace..

Now its just getting my hands on the f-ing manual.. Hopefully I'll have it in a few weeks..

 

I've always wanted to try one of these.

Pneumatic Spark Plug Cleaner


I know you can clean the regular old type spark plugs, but I'm not sure if you're suppose to clean iridium spark plugs. I think it damages the electrode or it's suppose to clean its self or something.


Could use a dremel with a wire wheel.

 

I did like the idea of burning it off as it is (hopefully) less likely to damage anything or remove any coatings.

I also know it can take a fair amount of heat

Man I want a compressor so bad. Just waiting on a garage big enough to use it

 

Wire brush, carb or brake cleaner is all i use and if that won't work, new plugs, but the carb problem must be fixed.

 

Agreed carbs must, and will be fixed

 

Ahhh yes the old sandblaster for plugs. Gets the little grits of sand stuck way deep inside to come out later and sit on the valve seat to go crunch. Does wonders for the sealing.

pap11y do you refilter your old oil too, to reuse? Wash your oil filter in kerosine? Reuse old coffee filters? I hope you throw the condoms out though after one use

 

They that hard-up in OZ??? I mean WTF? right? I would just get in your ute, or what eva you drive and get 4 more plugs, that is after you fix the condition thats fouling them.

In my opinion, I got too much mental effort and money tied up in all my bikes, and to cheap-skate out on something that wont cost that much is :crazy:

I got two Wudel-Vixen spark plug blasters that I have used for a long time, after I blast, I use the "just air" feature of their tool. I also clean the plugs with compressed air before firing them back in dah-holes. Never had a problem with valves or sand. Have inspected a freshly blasted plug under heavy magnification and YES, it did have grit and shite in their. After the parts cleaner and compressor air blast...Nothing.

Dont know about cleaning iridium plugs...know if you inhale beryllium when your grinding your valve seats, you could be setting yourself up for lung cancer though.