I just replaced my old wires with new blue 8mm NGK ignition wires and noticed that there is debri and gunk (build up from oil leaks, etc.) around the base of the spark plugs. I have new NGK plugs to install (although the Bosch Platinum +4's I installed about 45k miles ago seem to be working fine), but I wanted to clean up around the openings before I install new plugs in case some dirt falls into the engine. So, what would be the best way of cleaning in there?

Also, do you recommend that I change the plugs if they are running fine, or should I wait until there is some problem? The car isn't getting very good gas mileage, so I don't know if a tune up would help that.

Thanks.

-Mrkanda

 

compressed air or a vacuum.
swap out those +4s for the ngks

 

compressed air w/ the plug in
screwdriver w/ some grease on the tip when the plug is out

 

if it's really bad, blow w/ compressed air to get the big chunks up, then hose it down with degreaser, let it soak, then clean w/ water hose.
blow w/ air compressor again to dry.

 

My other maxima (vg) had all sorts of shiet down in the plug holes when i first got it,I just hosed out all the crap with the garden hose,then used my leaf blower to dry everything off..

I think some squirrels made a nest in that thing..

 

WOW! A leak blower! I've never tried one of them. I wonder where it would blow the leaks to?
Just kidding

I did try using my shop vac on "suck" and also on "blow" (hmmm....I wonder if my car liked that!), but I think the air wasn't strong enough. I didn't have a small enough nozzle. I do have compressed air but I can't find where the blow gun extension is. Anyway, I think I will go with Matt's suggestion once I do find the extension just to be sure it's squeaky clean

On the mileage question, do you think doing a tune up with the NGK plugs and wires, new cap and rotor, plus the new fuel filter I just put in will help the car's mpg? The only other thing I can think of that might be effecting it is the sloppy suspension and engine mounts which are probably wasting a bit of energy and thus fuel. Plus I'm doing a lot of stop and go driving delivering mail only about 10 miles a day....

Any advice is well appreciated. Thanks.

-Mrkanda

 

I assume, Matt, that I should do all of those things with the old plugs in place so that no water or junk gets into the engine, right? Will the old plugs be ruined after all that?

 

it won't hurt the plugs. yes, do this with the plugs installed. last thing you want is sand inside the cylinders.

once that's done, pull the plugs and check them. if they're clean and the tips are in good shape, then you can just wipe anything off the outside and reinstall them. but the proper NGK plugs are like $1.50 each. might as well just replace them.

FYI, these cars are pretty picky about plugs. the car will run with the bosch stuff, but they like the NGKs much better.

main things to look for on fuel mileage are:
1. driving habits
2. oxygen sensor
3. spark plugs
4. cat conv. (you'll also notice a loss in power if the cat is gone- and they don't fail for nothing.)

 

Just hope you don't make any spelling errors here for the next few months..

 

Hmmmm.... Well, I think that's what "Preview" and "Edit" are for . A little fun never hurt nobody!

 

I spray around the spark plug hole area with Simple Green, then I blast it with a pressure washer.