Spark plug change
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Spark plug change
I'm changing my plugs after soaking them over night with carb cleaner a few of them broke off, and before putting in the new plugs I wanted to know how to spin the engine to clear the cylinders from any extra carb cleaner that might be down in the head?
I should also mention it's a 2004 f150 5.4 3V
Thank you
I should also mention it's a 2004 f150 5.4 3V
Thank you
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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In a word, DON'T. First, I don't know why you would use carb cleaner instead of penetrating oil, but aside from that, carb cleaner evaporates fairly quickly so there won't be any by the time you remove the spark plugs. Second, carb cleaner is flammable and will burn off in the cylinder should any happen to get in there. Third, you don't turn the engine with the plugs out because you can suck debris down into the cylinders and damage the cylinder walls.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2016
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Disagree ford sparkplug tsb calls for MC carb cleaner
That carb cleaner will dissolve that carbon around spark plug tip . There is a lot of us that clean that carbon out so as to not damage new plugs going in plus carbon can change the heat range of plugs . Doing a timing job it is recommended that you turn crankshaft by hand to make sure no piston to valve contact .
It is better to have plugs out when turning by hand so as to not fight compression .
Of course most of us clean out that whole area with air before we take it apart. And we cover holes with rags to prevent any intrusion when we are working on it . I was more worried when I had to vacuum out porcelain pieces from broken original spark plugs after using lisle extracting tool .
I understand your caution about sucking debris in or dropping something in there .
The carb cleaner will evaporate or burn off if you just give it a little time ,I used to worry about hydrolock but it really isn't a problem .
It is better to have plugs out when turning by hand so as to not fight compression .
Of course most of us clean out that whole area with air before we take it apart. And we cover holes with rags to prevent any intrusion when we are working on it . I was more worried when I had to vacuum out porcelain pieces from broken original spark plugs after using lisle extracting tool .
I understand your caution about sucking debris in or dropping something in there .
The carb cleaner will evaporate or burn off if you just give it a little time ,I used to worry about hydrolock but it really isn't a problem .
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