can i reuse spark plug?

[omaits]

While jetting, is there a way to reuse the spark plug after you foul it? It seems pretty wasteful to throw them away after each "attempt." After trying a jet and discovering the plug was black, is it possible to clean it with a wire brush or something. I am getting tired of buyings fistfuls of them when going to the dealership.

Thanks

[2004exrider]

try cleaning it with sandpaper, it should still work. thats what i always did when i fouled a plug

[RiderTRX400ex]

well, i got a glassbead cabinet, clean it with those... gets them to brand new cond but i suppose it isnt the best to do.... it just saves time and money..

[big-guy]

I wouldn't glass bead anything that goes into the engine, but some carb cleaner should remove the carbon.

[omaits]

Great. I will try the carb cleaner. The sandpaper idea sounds like it would work too, but I am a little scared of sanding. If one of the pieces of sand some how made it in the engine, the $4 I saved on a plug wouldnt put a dent in the repair bill.

[TCracin440ex]

you can also use a wire brush they work great...

[johndeerenub18]

make sure if you use sand paper its a high grit. the higher the grit the less course the paper is. try using a higher grit first and work your way down if it dosn't seem to be working.

[parkers30]

wire brush and carb cleaner or starting fluid, works just fine and no risk of sand or glass in your engine

[black300]

carb cleaner would probably be the best solution

[AtvMxRider]

They make a spark plug cleaner. You can only clean a plug a few times than it is garbage.

[big-guy]

Originally posted by parkers30
wire brush and carb cleaner or starting fluid, works just fine and no risk of sand or glass in your engine


I would caution against the use of starting fluid as a solvent. I know a guy who was cleaning a printed circuit board in a skidoo or something with starting fluid, and set himself on fire. Spent about a month in the hospital.

[6858-400ex]

use a grinder wheel but with a buffing wheel works graet:p

[omaits]

Sonds like alot of different ways to go about this. I so glad I dont have to keep wasting my money on plugs. I will def try teh wire brush and carb cleaner idea. Will you still get the same results with a cleaned plug. (Will it not last as long or "kindof" sputter like a fouled plug?)