SPARK PLUG CLEANER & TESTER

SPCT-100A

AIRCRAFT TOOL
SUPPLY COMPANY
www.aircraft-tool.com
 INTRODUCTION
The SPCT100A Spark Plug Cleaner & Tester Unit is used to check spark
plugs under pressure that is intended to closely simulate the firing condi-
tions inside a cylinder. The cleaner section – consisting of a sand-blaster
and air cleaner – will effectively remove carbon deposit from spark plugs.

Safety Cap

Adapters
High Voltage Test Lead
Turret

Testing Ports
Cleaning Port
Mirror Box

TESTER
Pressure
Regulator Tester Button

BLAST AIR
CLEANER CLEANER
Abrasive
Cleaner
Button Pressure Gauge

Air Cleaner Button

SPECIFICATIONS
• Operating voltage: AC 120/240V (switched-controlled) single-phase
50/60Hz
• Recommended air pressure: 100 to 140 psi (7 to 10 kg/cm2)
• Cleaner section abrasive capacity (60# grain): 1lb (.45Kg)
• High-voltage output when spark testing: 24,000V (24KV)
• Dimensions: 19.3” (490mm) x 11” (280mm) x 10.4” (260mm)
• Weight: 20.5lbs (9.3Kg)
• Accessories included: 12mm, 14mm, and 18mm spark plug adapters
(2 each); 12mm, 14mm and 18mm cleaner gaskets (1 each); Adapter
case (1 each); aviation massive electrode adapters (2 each), abrasive
1lb (.45Kg) bag (1 each)

2 Aircraft Tool Supply • 1-800-248-0638 • www.aircraft-tool.com

INITIAL PREPARATION
1. Unpack the SPCT100A and inspect it for damage. If you find any prob-
lems that would affect the operation of your unit, call Aircraft Tool Sup-
ply at 1-800-248-0638 to have it serviced or replaced.

2. Install the Safety Cap/Turret onto the SPCT100A unit with the included
bolts and nuts. If you want to use the
automatic turntable with massive elec-
trode plugs, then install the included
extension adapters between the base
of the turntable and the top of the unit
using the four (4) extra-long bolts.

3. Load the cleaner section of the

SPCT100A by pouring the contents of
the included abrasive (1lb bag) directly
into the cleaning port located on the top
of unit.

4. Make sure the Pressure Regulator is completely OFF by turning it

clockwise until it stops, and then connect an air source to the air cou-
pler in the back of the unit.

5. Important! Set the power selector switch on

the side of the unit to the appropriate voltage
source (either 110V or 220V) before plugging
the unit into the outlet. An incorrect voltage
setting may result in damage to your unit.

6. Plug the unit into the electrical outlet and turn

the power switch at the side of the unit to the Voltage selector switch
ON position.

Warning: The SPCT100A produces up

to 24,000 volts when testing spark plugs.
Therefore, it is essential for safety rea-
sons that you plug the unit into a properly
grounded three-prong outlet. If you do not
have a grounded outlet (or are not sure), then clip the
auxiliary grounding wire to a ground source such as a
water pipe. The auxiliary grounding wire has an alli- Auxiliary grounding wire
gator clip at the end, and is located next to the power
cord.

Aircraft Tool Supply • 1-800-248-0638 • www.aircraft-tool.com 3

 CLEANING THE SPARK PLUG
1. First make sure the correct gasket adapter for
your size plug is installed in the cleaning port.
The SPCT100A comes with gaskets for 12mm,
14mm, and 18mm plugs. Note: aviation massive
electrode plugs require the 18mm gasket.
Gasket Adapter
2. Insert the spark plug into the cleaning port until
it seats itself on the gasket. You’ll find it easier to insert the plug if you
apply a slight twist as you push the plug into the gasket.

3. If you wish to use the automatic turret, insert the tail end of the plug
into one of the holes of the turntable carousel. If you are using mas-
sive electrode plugs, then you must first install the included extender
kit to raise the turntable to the correct height. Next, place the included
400AD electrode adapter into the spark plug and attach the tail of the
adapter to the carousel.

4. Slant the plug by 15 degrees while holding it with your fingers (for
manual mode) and revolve it slowly while pressing the sand-blaster
switch. If you are using the turntable carousel, then it will automatically
maintain the proper angle as it rotates the plug in the cleaner.

5. Check your work every 10 seconds by pressing the clean-air switch to

clear away any residual abrasive and then remove the plug for inspec-
tion. Repeat as needed until the plug is cleaned to your satisfaction.
Do not operate the sand-blaster for more than 10 seconds at a time,
as this may lead to over-cleaning and a worn out spark plug tip.

6. In certain situations, the abrasive may

become stuck to the inside of the sand-
blaster tip due to high humidity, and can
be corrected by cleaning the abrasive
off the blaster tip and replacing the abra-
sive with a fresh batch. The SPCT100A
uses a dual-bag arrangement to keep
dust down to a minimum, so remember
to clean both the inner and outer liners
when changing abrasive. The included Before & after cleaning
bag of abrasive will be sufficient for
about 300 to 500 cleanings.
Note: The SPCT100A does not remove lead deposits from spark plugs. The
proper way to remove lead deposits is with either the Aircraft Tool Supply Vibrator
Cleaner (p/n PA01), or a good set of Dental Picks (p/n E900-205). Visit us online
at www.aircraft-tool.com for more details on either of these products.

4 Aircraft Tool Supply • 1-800-248-0638 • www.aircraft-tool.com

TESTING THE SPARK PLUG
1. First, use a spark plug gapping tool to properly gap the plug accord-
ing to the manufacturer’s specifications. When gapping, remember to
check your work with a feeler gauge.

2. Insert the appropriate thread adapter (12mm

14mm, or 18mm) into each of the two test-
ing port holes located on the top right of the
SPCT100A. When testing spark plugs you
must always use both holes. The usual ar-
rangement is to have a new spark plug in one
hole and the cleaned plug in the other so that
you can compare the cleaned plug directly
against a new one.
Thread Adapters
3. Carefully connect the high-voltage lead to the
plug being tested. When testing massive
electrode spark plugs, place the included
400AD adapter into the spark plug and
connect the high-voltage lead to the tail of
the adapter.

4. Slowly turn the air regulator knob in the counterclockwise direction to

pressurize the test chamber until the pressure gauge reads between
7 and 10 Kg/cm2 (100 to 140psi). The pressurization is intended to
simulate the firing conditions inside an engine’s cylinder. You do not
have to apply a specific pressure when testing, but you must make
sure that it’s always inside the “test” range when evaluating a spark
plug in order to correctly assess the plug’s condition. The test range is
the yellow region of the pressure gauge.

5. Check the quality of the spark by looking in the reflector mirror while
holding down the Spark Tester Switch. Note: Do not depress the switch
for more than 10 seconds per cycle, as this may cause the overload
protection circuitry of the SPCT100A to engage and temporarily shut
the unit down.
Warning: At this point, we must again cau-
tion you that the test section develops up
to 24,000 volts, so do not touch the spark
plug or the high-voltage lead while depress-
ing the Spark Tester Switch!

6. Perform the same test for the other plug to get a

comparative reading of the cleaned plug against
the new one. When a plug is in good condition,

Aircraft Tool Supply • 1-800-248-0638 • www.aircraft-tool.com 5

 you should see a nice blue or blue-green spark at pressures of 6 Kg/
cm2 or higher. Bad or marginal plugs will show a reddish spark, or no
spark at all under pressure. Also, as a rule of thumb, the pressure at
which the cleaned plug fires should be within 2.5 Kg/cm2 (35psi) of the
new plug. If it isn’t, then consider replacing the spark plug.

7. In some cases, the ambient light of the room may be too high to clearly
see the sparks, so be sure to do your testing in a room with a relatively
low lighting level.

WARRANTY

Aircraft Tool Supply Company (“ATS”) warrants to the first end user of the product enclosed
with this limited warranty statement that the product conforms to the manufacturer’s specifi-
cations and will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year
from the date of original purchase. ATS warrants that this product is manufactured from new
components and parts, or if you have purchased a refurbished product, like-new components
and parts which perform like new and meet the ATS standard of quality.
Should your ATS product prove defective during the warranty period, please contact ATS
by telephone at 1-800-248-0638 or via email to [email protected] to request product
servicing. If you are required to return the product for servicing, please secure the product
in its original packaging or an equivalent and also remove abrasive from unit before ship-
ping the product to ATS. You are responsible for all costs (shipping, insurance, travel time)
in getting the product to ATS. At our discretion, we will repair or replace the defective unit,
without charge for parts or labor. The replacement may be new or refurbished to the ATS
standard of quality, and at ATS’ option, may be another model of like kind and quality. ATS’
liability for replacement will not exceed the original retail price of the product. Exchange or
replacement products or parts assume the remaining warranty period of the product covered
by this limited warranty.
This warranty covers only normal use and does not cover damage caused by parts or sup-
plies not manufactured, distributed or certified by ATS. This warranty does not cover product
failures caused by improper maintenance, misuse, abuse, neglect, improper shipping, dam-
age caused by disasters, or service by anyone other than ATS.
THE WARRANTY ABOVE AND REMEDY PROVIDED ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPE-
CIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY WITH LAWS
OF YOUR AREA. SOME LAWS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATIONS OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. IF THESE LAWS APPLY, THEN ALL EX-
PRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD IDEN-
TIFIED ABOVE. IN THE EVENT THE REMEDIES ABOVE FAIL, ATS’ ENTIRE LIABILITY
SHALL BE LIMITED TO A REFUND OF THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT COVERED
BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. NEITHER ATS NOR ITS AFFILIATES SHALL BE LIABLE
FOR ANY LOSS, INCONVENIENCE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, RESULTING
FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT.

6 Aircraft Tool Supply • 1-800-248-0638 • www.aircraft-tool.com

 EC Declaration of Conformity
In accordance with EN 45014:1998
We AIRCRAFT TOOL SUPPLY COMPANY
of 1000 AUSABLE RD, OSCODA, MICHIGAN USA
Declare that:
ATS AIRCRAFT SPARK PLUG CLEANER TESTER
Model Number: SPCT100A
In accordance with the following Directives:
73 / 23 / EEC The Low Voltage Directive and its amending directives
89 / 336 / EEC The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive and its amend-
ing directives has been designed and manufactured to the following spec-
ifications:
EN55014-1:2000+A2:2002 – Electromagnetic compatibility – Require-
ments for household appliances, electric tools, and similar appliances –
Part 1: Emissions.
EN61326:1997+A3:2003 – Electrical equipment for measurement, con-
trol, and laboratory use – EMC requirements.
EN61010-1:2001 – Safety requirements for electrical equipment for mea-
surement, control, and laboratory use – Part 1 General Requirements.

I hereby declare that the equipment named above has been designed to
comply with the relevant sections of the above referenced specifications.
The unit complies with all essential requirements and the Directives.

Signed by:
Name: Desmond E. Lynch
Position: President
Done At: AWB Industries, Oscoda, MI, USA
On: August 15, 2012

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Aircraft Tool Supply • 1-800-248-0638 • www.aircraft-tool.com 7