Due to shorted injector wires, one or more of my new (3K miles) spark plugs are fouled. Can I successfully clean the plugs or do I need to replace them?

This is more a question of availability than cost, plugs are cheap but none grow on the trees around me.

Also, any cleaning tips?

Thanks

 

you can try cleaning them, wont hurt

 

Well, if you're already pulling all the spark plugs out, I don't see why you wouldn't change them. Cleaning them may work, though.

 

I read somewhere a long time ago that if you clean spark plugs, DO NOT use a wire brush to clean them. Something about tiny scratches and causing the spark to scatter. I use brake parts cleaner and a tooth brush on spark plugs.

 

u can clean them but spark plugs are cheap might as well change them

 

I have a lot of old toothbrushes so I'll start by just mechanically cleaning the fouled plug(s).

Clearly several of the posters didn't bother to read my entire post, Four sentences is a tough read.

Thanks all.

 

At 3k miles cleaning should be fine - just make sure they have the right gap.

 

Thanks stickey, what is the right gap? Can't remember the last time I gaped a spark plug. I think I know where the wires are though.

 

I was simply stating that if you're gonna be pulling them out to see how badly they're fouled, you might as well just change them. I can read 4 sentences and I do realize that nothing grow on trees these days. But if your dead set on cleaning them because the parts store is too far or whatever, I'd just use some carb clean or brake clean and it should do the job fine. Good luck.

 

I'd clean them up first before you spend money you might not have to