Spark plugs are, no doubt, one of the essential components of a car. Their primary function is to provide the spark of electricity needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine. For you to keep your engine running smoothly, it’s important to keep the spark plugs in good working conditions.
One of the things you can do to keep your spark plugs working at optimum conditions is to clean them at the right time. Accumulation of dirt, oil, or debris in your spark plugs can cause an engine misfire, which is not a good thing for your vehicle.
WD-40 is one of the solvents that drivers use to eliminate the dust, debris, and dirt from the spark plugs. The product is a unique, special blend of lubricants, which is why it’s okay for spark plug holes. Interestingly, WD-40 also contains anti-corrosion agents.
What is the best way to clean the inside of a spark plug hole? Can I spray WD-40 in the spark plug hole? Is it okay to lubricate spark plug holes? What products can I spray inside the spark plug hole? You’ll find the answers to these burning questions as you read through the rest of this article.
How Do You Clean The Inside Of A Spark Plug Hole?
The spark plug hole is the point where your car’s spark plug is installed. According to experts, the efficiency of your vehicle’s engine depends, to a large extent, on the working conditions of the spark plug.
If the spark plug is working fine, it means your engine will most likely run smoothly. However, without a good spark plug, the possibility of running your petrol engine is zero.
Since the spark plug has a direct impact on the efficiency of your engine, you need to keep it and the spark plug well clean at all times.
There are a couple of ways to clean the inside of your spark plug hole. By following the simple and direct steps below, you should be able to get the job done quickly.
1. Materials needed
The very first thing you need to be able to clean your spark plug hole is to get the necessary materials ready for the job.
That said, some of the materials needed to make this project a success include:
- Screwdriver
- Compressed air
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Vacuum mechanism
- Gapping tool
- Carbon cleanser
- Socket wrench and extensions
- Soft dry towels
- Wire brush
- File tool
After getting these materials ready, the next thing is to get straight down to the real business.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
The first step involves disconnecting the negative terminal of your engine’s battery. It’s important to perform this process before going ahead to clean the spark plug hole.
For you to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery, the first thing you need is to locate the terminal denoted by the (-) sign. Usually, the terminal is wired with a black cable.
3. Identify the spark plug wires and remove the ignition coil
The next step requires you to disconnect the ignition coils. To do that, you need to locate the spark plug wires.
After disconnecting the ignition coils, you need to remove every dust, debris, and grime around the negative terminal and the ignition coils. For this process, you can make use of compressed air to get rid of grime and debris.
4. Remove the ignition coils
Now that you’re sure there’s no dirt or debris around the ignition coils, the next step is to plug them out. When doing that, ensure you remove the coils one at a time to avoid damaging them.
After that, remove the spark plug wires gently. Thereafter, remove the excess oil and debris inside the spark plug hole. This is where the need to use a vacuum mechanism comes into the scene.
With a vacuum mechanism, you’ll be able to absorb excess oil that escaped into the spark plug hole. After that, you need to wipe the inner walls of the hole. For this step, you can use a screwdriver, soft towel, and carbon cleaner.
5. Remove the spark plugs
It’s time to remove the spark plugs from the holes. To do that, you need to use your socket wrench alongside an extension. After removing the spark plugs, wipe out the fuel on them and clean them.
To clean your spark plugs, start by removing the rust on their electrodes. After that, use a wire brush to remove the accumulation of dirt and debris on the threaded part of the plugs. After that, use compressed air and a soft towel to finish the job.
Now, insert back the spark plugs into the hole, using the wrench and extension. After that, plug in the ignition coil and reconnect the negative terminal of your engine’s battery. That’s all!
Can I Spray WD-40 Into The Spark Plug Hole
WD-40 is a unique, special blend of lubricants. As such, you can spray it into your spark plug hole. The best way to do this is by spraying the product on a clean soft towel. After that, use the cloth to clean the spark plug hole as you desire. Of course, you need to do this before reinstalling the spark plugs.
Is It Okay To Lubricate Spark Plug Holes?
Of course, it’s okay to lubricate your vehicle’s spark plug hole. This is highly recommended, especially if the vehicle’s engine hasn’t been running for several years.
What Can You Spray Inside Spark Plug Holes?
WD-40 is one of the solvents you can spray inside your spark plug holes. This will help you lubricate the inside of the holes and prevent them from rusting. Apart from that, you can also spray carb cleaner or use a reliable brake cleaner.
