Checking Spark Plugs

[godzl1975]

Decided to do some maintenance and check my spark plugs...so took them off and decided to use WD 40 to clean them from some carbon build up..should i have used carby cleaner instead??? after putting everything back..all start nice..but coming home tonite...there is a mis-fire, under load but its intermittant. my questions are:

1) would the wd 40 cause this??

2) didnt plug the coils back in place securely enough??

3) the coil wiring loom i damaged somehow??

any ideas would be cool

[blind_elk]

Are they Platinum, Iridium, or copper? You really don't need to clean the plugs if the engine has been running acceptably. The carbon is only going to re-coat the plug because that is what the fuel mixture and running conditions dictate should happen. The colouring of the plug is used as a diagnostic to indicate the general combustion conditions. They are not like teeth - they do not need to remain pearly white to work properly.

And I'm pretty certain you DO NOT use solvent cleaners; wire brush if you have to clean them, although I'm not so sure Platinum and Iridium plugs take too kindly to that either.

[95SKY]

i always use a little bit of fuel, does the job for me. You can buy for a few dollars a spark plug cleaning tool there like keys that you put in there and twist around inside and removes the bits of gunk and stuff.

[godzl1975]

they are iriduim plugs..car seems to be better..than last nite..missing alot