Champion X Plug Cleaning

[BottleRocket]

I found four Champion X plugs that are used but in good condition. Probably not used for quite a few years. I want to clean them before using them. Is it best to clean them as a whole or disassemble and clean the parts?

 

[nkaminar]

The ones I cleaned, I disassembled.

 

[J Franklin]

If they are just dirty/sooty use a solvent and don't take them apart unless you can source the gaskets.

 

[rackops]

Without going out to my shop to compare, I don't think X plugs are the correct size for a Model A? I think they're exclusively for the Model T.

As far as cleaning and restoring the plugs, yes, take them apart. This will allow you to clean everything as well as ensure the ceramic insulator isn't damaged in the parts you can't see.

I have a pretty lengthy process for restoring the 3X plugs, but since you're just cleaning them (which is a-okay) I'll not go into that here.

I also found a really great web page about X plugs, and I definitely learning some new things about them (I've only restored a couple).

https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG95.html

 

[BottleRocket]

I'll check out the link. They are 3X plugs. I tried to wrench them apart without too much force but they are locked up.

 

[katy]

I don't think X plugs are the correct size for a Model A? I think they're exclusively for the Model T.

I agree

 

[Kurt in NJ]

I use the self cleaning method— 10 miles on the parkway at 65 with the GAV closed or nearly closed with full advance—- a set of free used carbon fouled 3x out of trash can at Hershey revived.Took additional spark gap at first to get them to fire.

 

[BottleRocket]

Yours came out pretty good. I think I might spray them with PB Blaster and put them in a ziploc bag for a while, and then try to wrench them apart. The crush washers are easy to get. Might even bead blast them and gun blue.

 

[rackops]

I recently did a whole bunch of original 3X plugs. Using heat and kroil, there were only two I couldn't get apart. They were solidly rusted together. I plan to continue working on them, but am not holding my breath (though they do have good ceramic cores...). I did liberally use some "scotch brite" (but off-brand) buffing wheels on the ceramics as well as the bases, after I bead blasted the bases. I think they turned out quite well.

 

[Model A Canuck]

A wire brush works good

 

[Flathead]

When taking them apart I recommend clamping the base in a bench vise and use a box end wrench or a deep socket on the porcelain retaining nut.

 

[The Master Cylinder]

I recently did a whole bunch of original 3X plugs. Using heat and kroil, there were only two I couldn't get apart. They were solidly rusted together. I plan to continue working on them, but am not holding my breath (though they do have good ceramic cores...). I did liberally use some "scotch brite" (but off-brand) buffing wheels on the ceramics as well as the bases, after I bead blasted the bases. I think they turned out quite well.

Looking good, Rackops!