sand-blasting spark plugs ?

[roadkill636]

You all have probally figured out by now that I like to save some $ here and there,, I was just wondering if sand blasting a spark plug would affect it's opperation or durabilaty, you all may have seen those little blasting units that sell for under $20 ,,,,,,hook it up to an air hose , insert the plug tip ,,blast and turn the plug to get a good even covrage,,,
Now I know plugs are only 3-$4 and the whole story about saving money and all that stuff,, so we wont even talk about that!
but if I run the engine and do a plug check,and the plugs are way dark or carboned up,this lill blaster sure makes them white again:rolleyes:
would the freshly blasted plug be good for a nother WOT plug chop-check ?

[Mr. Buss]

i have heard that this actually damages the ceramic insulator, i have had good luck soakin' them in vinegar for a few days. its just acidic enough to clean all the stuff off.
my $0.02

[terry taylor]

HI.Soaking in kerosene and using an old tooth brush is much less agressive thanks.

[Scott in MN]

Grit has a way of hiding in any crevice and sneaking out at the most inopportune time. Had it in paint many times, wouldn't want it in my motor....

[T-REX]

From one money saver to anuther....Blast'in juss don't cut it....

I used ta blast plugs and use them for break-in on motas...3 outta 10 don't fire properly, and will totally quit fire'in in a short time!!....

I still see no reason blasted plugs should not work, but take it from tha cheepest ov cheepy'z....they don't!!

Never use sand...Scott soundz like he been ther too!!:eek: :D :iagree:

[speedforhire]

I have used the air unit you mentioned for years (cars, cycles, mowers, etc.,) with great results. After blasting them I run a stiff piece of wire down inside and blow them out with carb cleaner, then air. After several cleanings I buy new ones, since the ceramic and metal tips will erode away. It saves me both time and money.

[bobant]

I tried cleaning them with brake cleaner. That stuff will eat paint off of metal. Plugs looked good but did not make them good again. They were fouled because they were tired. In my case it was not the fouling that made the motor miss, it was the tired plug that made it not fire. Six new ones makes it run like a mofo again. Just my experience. Merc 280 plugs-NGK BPZ8H-N.

Bob A.

[speedforhire]

Curious now. What's the plug of choice for a 225PM?

[lokinutz]

I have never had good luck doing a plug check on a brand new plug, and don't see doing a plug check on a recently blasted plug working either. If you really want to be cheap (which I am also), you can find plugs on ebay for a buck a piece, buying quantity. Saves you in the long run, and don't have the grit in your motor issue.

[Jon.Bucy]

It's one thing to try and save money, it's another to take unnecessary, risky shortcuts that could land you a dead powerhead for the cost of a set of plugs http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/images/icons/icon13.gif.
Set of plugs approx $24.00, rebuild approx $2000.00, powerhead replacement approx $6000.00, seems like a nobrainer :nonod:.