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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Larry Renger on September 13, 2012, 09:53:06 AM

Title: Save those glowheads!
Post by: Larry Renger on September 13, 2012, 09:53:06 AM: I have had a problem with the elements in my gloheads getting a white coating and the needle becoming unreliable as a result. At the AMA Expo, I talked to Mr. Kelley, the owner of Merlin plugs. He recommended two things:

1. Reduce the compression a bit to eliminate or at least slow the buildup.
2. Recover the plugs by soaking the element in Muriatic Acid from a swimming pool. Neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda. Finally, oil the plug cavity to re-seal the gasket.

Dang! It works!!! #^
Title: Re: Save those glowheads!
Post by: Brian Hampton on September 13, 2012, 11:06:56 AM: Muriatic acid is hydrochloric acid, although I suspect very much diluted. However I've also heard that plug coils can be cleaned using vinegar which is diluted acetic acid. Vinegar is also extremely good at getting rid of rust although it takes a couple of days.
Title: Re: Save those glowheads!
Post by: Mike Greb on September 13, 2012, 05:29:29 PM: Muriatic acid can be used to strip chrome off a abc liner.
Title: Re: Save those glowheads!
Post by: ash on September 13, 2012, 05:57:12 PM: I've used it to dissolve aluminium mandrels. I'd be hesitant to put it anywhere an aluminium glow head, but it seems to work for you!
Title: Re: Save those glowheads!
Post by: Brett Buck on September 14, 2012, 10:07:22 AM: Quote from: Larry Renger on September 13, 2012, 09:53:06 AM
2. Recover the plugs by soaking the element in Muriatic Acid from a swimming pool. Neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda. Finally, oil the plug cavity to re-seal the gasket.

Note that this is only supposed goes in the "well" that contains the element. Don't submerge the whole thing in muriatic acid!

I heard this a couple of years ago, and tried it on a rather "frosted" Thunderbolt 4-Cycle plug. The be honest, I couldn't tell the difference, but I may have had a different problem to begin with.

Brett
Title: Re: Save those glowheads!
Post by: Larry Renger on September 14, 2012, 04:43:31 PM: Agreed, Brett. I have a small bottle with a CA dispenser tip so that I just cover the element with the acid.

Sorry, I should have mentioned that!
Title: Re: Save those glowheads!
Post by: Steve Helmick on September 15, 2012, 12:46:24 AM: They really put muratic acid in swimming pools? I thought they just dumped chlorine in 'em. Muratic acid might be used to clean a swimming pool (it is sold here to clean driveways & patios), but then we'ns don't know chit about swimming pools. H^^ Steve
Title: Re: Save those glowheads!
Post by: Rafael Gonzalez on September 15, 2012, 06:34:48 AM: Quote from: Steve Helmick on September 15, 2012, 12:46:24 AM
They really put muratic acid in swimming pools? I thought they just dumped chlorine in 'em. Muratic acid might be used to clean a swimming pool (it is sold here to clean driveways & patios), but then we'ns don't know chit about swimming pools. H^^ Steve

The acid is used to stabilize the PH.

H^^
Title: Re: Save those glowheads!
Post by: Heman Lee on September 17, 2012, 07:24:33 PM: Quote from: Steve Helmick on September 15, 2012, 12:46:24 AM
They really put muratic acid in swimming pools? I thought they just dumped chlorine in 'em. Muratic acid might be used to clean a swimming pool (it is sold here to clean driveways & patios), but then we'ns don't know chit about swimming pools. H^^ Steve

Same thing as drive way. Use to clean the pool before painting. I had to re-paint a rental pool a few time.
Title: Re: Save those glowheads!
Post by: James Strickland on October 14, 2012, 08:17:13 PM: Ash is absolutely correct, if you get muriatic acid on aluminum, the aluminum absolutely goes away,----way far, to never come back again....