Spark plugs

[JB]

I hate to see so many boaters wasting so much money replacing spark plugs.

In 50 years of boating I replaced two sets of plugs. I put Champions in an outboard I had just bought to replace ACs, and I replaced a set of surface gap plugs that simply wore out.

All of the others I simply cleaned and regapped.

What is so hard about that?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Spark plugs

I am with you JB! However, on my Chrysler engines I find that once the surface gap plugs are fouled then cleaned, they do tend to foul again a little sooner. BUT-- on the positive side, with a green Skotchbrite pad and my thumbnail I can clean these surface gap plugs in about 5 minutes for four of them. If they really start to give trouble starting and idling I may change them on the water with a freshly cleaned set I carry, otherwise I wait until I am back home.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Spark plugs

I'll second plainly the fact that cleaning and re gapping is a must do if wanting longer plug life span and best engine performance, terrified to see people never cleans the ones installed or dumping new spark plugs after initial 10 hour break in periods, completely nuts "thumbs down".

Happy Boating

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Spark plugs

I'm right there with ya JB. Clean 'em once a year and check the gap.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Spark plugs

My 2nd on that! My little Harbor Freight Spark Plug Sandblaster($10.00) has worked like a charm for me for several years....never buy new plugs for outboards, mowers, blowers, chainsaws, dune buggy, etc. Sandblaster knocks the carbon right off the electrodes and insulator, then spray with carb cleaner, toothbrush, air hose...ready to go again! I understand that Harbor Freight Tools is a "4 letter word" to lots of folks,and I agree some of their tools are junk, but I wouldn't be without that little Sandblaster!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Spark plugs

you can also soak them in white vinegar overnight. You end up with an oil slick on top!

I think the replacement thing goes back to old days of plugs that didn't last and highly fouled plugs. Same with cars. Since not everyone can clean them correctly, the safer advice is to replace. And they are relatively cheap.

that being said, plugs are one of those mystery parts. Nothing moving, nothing to them, easy to see if cracked or dirty; easy to clean. But I have seen boats that won't start come to life with new plugs replacing old ones that look fine.

 

[aburke120]

Re: Spark plugs

Home Cookin' you're right on the money about plugs being relatively cheap, but it depends on where you buy them. I've seen plugs sell for 8 or 9 dollars each at the place I bought something (sleds, dirt bikes, quads), then gone to the auto parts store and got the same plug for $1.50

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Spark plugs

I ran a set of Champion surface gap (L77V as I recall) in a 6 cyl Merc for 7 years.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Spark plugs

It makes me feel like I am doing something useful, when I replace the spark plugs. Seriously, I replace them when the shells get rusty, which is about every two years. They simply don't look nice when they rust

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Spark plugs

I'm with Chris1956. Not only does it make things look nicer but I have the peace of mind that they will come out when I want them to!

 

[JEBar]

Re: Spark plugs

you can also soak them in white vinegar overnight. You end up with an oil slick on top!

interesting, tip appreciated

Jim

 

[dingbat]

Re: Spark plugs

If cleaning a plug fixed insulator and resistive issues then I would be a little less inclined to replace them. Until such time, I’ll spend the $20 a years and put new plugs in the beast.