Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #37756
From: Ed Anderson <eanderson@carolina.rr.com>
Subject: Spark Plug Cleaning
Date: Fri, 8 Jun 2007 16:11:08 -0400
To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Getting around to see what can be done about the lead fouling sparkplugs  causing the infamous "SAG".  1st experiment was to place the used spark plugs in a 30% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide.  I did that and place the plugs and solution in an ultrasonic cleaner, turned it on and left it on for 1 hour.
 
It appeared to clean everything off the plug - but, the lead.  So far the only chemical my research has indicated would dissolved metallic lead is Nitric Acid.  Nope, not going to try that, I'll stick with buying new plugs.
 
But, thought I would let folks know of the results.  I was really hoping the ultrasonic vibration would shake the lead crystals off the ceramic cone of the plug - but either the idea is flawed or the small jewelry cleaning size ultrasonic generator is simply not powerful enough.
 
Ed
 
 
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