cleaning fouled spark plugs in pinch

What do you do when your outboard motor is running rich, fouling spark plugs, and you don't have new ones? In this video, we'll show you the emergency technique for cleaning fouled spark plugs in a pinch—using a torch and an ultrasonic cleaner—plus, we identify and fix the hidden cause of the rich-running condition on this Mercury outboard!

The true fix is always a fresh set of plugs and addressing the underlying issue. In this case, we found a disconnected Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor hose, which tricked the computer into maximum fuel enrichment, causing a severe fouling problem.

Watch the full breakdown to diagnose the plugs, perform the field repair, and learn the correct torque specs for reinstallation!

IN THIS VIDEO: Emergency Plug Cleaning & Root Cause Fix

0:00 - Intro & Diagnosing a Fouled Plug (Identifying a "Carbon Track")
0:22 - The Fast Way to Burn Off Carbon (Safe Torch Technique)
1:28 - Full Emergency Cleaning Process (Ultrasonic & Heat Summary)
2:26 - The Real Cause of Fouling: The Disconnected MAP Sensor Hose
3:32 - Locating the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Hose
5:06 - Reinstalling & Torque Spec: How Tight is Too Tight? (20 ft-lbs)
7:20 - CRITICAL: Why You Need a Spark Plug Socket
Did this video save your day? Let me know in the comments if you’ve had to use this emergency cleaning method before! Like and subscribe for more boat maintenance and engine repair tips!