Cleaning Spark Plugs

[BBO]

Never have used a VOM on a plug but have cleaned and checked the gap on plugs for years and seldom replace one has been my experience.

Humm.. "Seldom replace one"
Another related question is what plug to use for replacement.
I always get whatever the manual calls for, but some mechanics seem to disagree.
They purposefully install a hotter plug.
Or 1 guy seems to think if it's the same physical size, and it cranks then it's OK. :ashamed:
I don't know about this...
Home Depot has a line of "E3" plugs that are maybe $5.68 ea vs $2.38 to replace a BPMR7A.
On this package it has a long list of plugs that this one will replace.

 

[RandyT]

Add in that many of our plugs now are made in other countries with less quality than we are accustomed to. For a few years, Champion plugs were running bad batches. Now I hear that NGK plugs are found in bad batches, as well as Bosch.
Maybe these tests suggested by the OP (BBO) would sort out the "bad" new plugs as well.

A few years ago I had a case of J19LM plugs that would run 10 minutes in a mower and then would short out. I had 7-8 out of a box of 25 BPMR7A plugs that would last for 2 starts before quitting. Two years ago had a case of new starter solenoids that would operate for exactly 3 mower starts before the engagement coil would burn out.

 

[DFB]

A few years ago I had a case of J19LM plugs that would run 10 minutes in a mower and then would short out. I had 7-8 out of a box of 25 BPMR7A plugs that would last for 2 starts before quitting. Two years ago had a case of new starter solenoids that would operate for exactly 3 mower starts before the engagement coil would burn out.

Man stuff like that will drive a mechanic crazy

Never mind a novice one.

No longer just having to do the repair or maintenance but now getting faulty replacement parts too

A couple years back we had to replace an aftermarket starter 4 times in my buddy's GMC pickup before one finally worked for longer than a few days.

 

[jhonb]

Years ago I had this little device that clamped onto the battery for power and it cleaned spark plugs. It was a mini sandblaster and you just inserted the spark plug end and pushed a button. I may still have it in the garage, but I have not used in in many years.

 

[DarkBlack]

I definitely view it differently. If I have a good running engine, I never remove the plugs. Good for me, bad for the plug companies.

 

[KennyG]

I'm with Dark Black. If I pull the plug, I'm replacing it. I've got small engines that haven't had the plug out in 10 years and run fine.