Author Topic: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?  (Read 6893 times)

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Offline brandEn

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Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« on: April 14, 2012, 03:14:32 PM »
I have a new set of Denso Iridium Plugs (IX27) that have gotten fouled. I have been changing jetting on my CR29's. Can I clean these and reuse them? They seem delicate and don't want to damage them if they can be cleaned. Any tips welcome.



Offline scottly

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Re: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2012, 08:01:12 PM »
I use a small propane torch to clean fouled plugs. Concentrate the heat on the ceramic insulator, not the center electrode. The idea is to burn the carbon off the insulator. I've done this many, many times.
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Offline camelman

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Re: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2012, 11:57:06 PM »
I like the propane torch method. If you don't have a torch, then Seafoam works well too. The Seafoam might need the help of a nylon bristle brush.
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Offline brandEn

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Re: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2012, 12:01:45 AM »
Well I have soaked them in seafoam and scrubbed them with a wire brush. A google search landed me on the Denso FAQ and it said No Bueno on the wire brush. OOOPs. $40 bucks wasted.


http://www.globaldenso.com/en/products/aftermarket/plug/qa/tech/qa_23.html
« Last Edit: April 15, 2012, 12:05:20 AM by brandEn »

Offline dave500

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Re: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2012, 12:03:56 AM »
wire wheel the threads only,if you do the electrodes youll leave metal deposits and theyll cause erratic spark?aswell as scuff the porcelain.

Offline brandEn

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Re: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2012, 12:06:07 AM »
yup, wish I knew that a few hours ago. Live and learn I guess. Thanks for the input.

Offline mrrch

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Re: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« Reply #6 on: April 15, 2012, 09:32:58 AM »
I use a sparkplug cleaner but replaced the abrasive with baking soda. Removes soot and cleans up easily and you don't have to pick abrasives out from etween the porcelin and body.
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Offline MRieck

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Re: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« Reply #7 on: April 15, 2012, 10:39:22 AM »
I use brake cleaner and a toothbrush (my wife's if she is getting on my nerves). ;D
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Offline camelman

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Re: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« Reply #8 on: April 15, 2012, 10:40:21 AM »
Oh man, that sucks. I felt responsible for a moment, but then checked and saw I said "nylon". :)
1972 350f rider: sold
1972 350f/466f cafe: for sale
1977 CB400f cafe:sold
1975 CB400f rider: sold
1970 CB750 K0 complete bike: sold
2005 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 rider

We've got to cut it off... and then come down on rockets.  (quoted from: seven minutes of terror)

Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: Can I clean fouled Denso Iridium Plugs?
« Reply #9 on: April 15, 2012, 10:50:32 AM »
Is the Iridium only a coating? If so anything abrasive could cut through it.

Speaking of Iridium plugs, which NGK iridiums work in the 750? 
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)