It will not react with stainless steel (copper will) and also works at extremely high temperatures. Get dirty. E3 - For spark plugs with a gasket: 1/2 turn on 10mm plugs, 3/8-1/2 turn on 12mm plugs, 1/2-3/4 turn on 14mm plugs. Your email address will not be published. I am only seeking knowledge. RIGHT?! You only need a dab of anti-seize, and you must only apply it to the middle of the threads very carefully. It seals the threads to help keep the combustion gasses inside the … Just not a lot of torque there. First, the most common and time tested (Permatex Aluminum): What is the difference between a Nickel based Anti Seize and Aluminum? For example, do not coat a water pump gasket in anti-seize so that it’ll be easier for you to remove later. Many spark plug manufacturers have issued statements saying that using anti-seize on spark plugs in 2018/19 is not advised. In case their threads are lubricated, the torque should be reduced by approx. Going to change my plugs on my 05 ex 4 cyl sometime soon. Copper Anti Seize Corrodes Stainless Steel and Works Only To 1800°F (982°C). Also, like many technicians that service fleet vehicles I believe a tiny amount of anti-seize should be used on most bolts, fasteners, and nuts where you suspect they may become rusted or seized up. Not true of Copper based anti seize, and Copper makes its way into a lot of the formulas of different anti seizes (even if they don’t say copper on the label). There are lot of opinions when it comes to greasing spark plug boots. Now people are telling me that I should not use copper anti-seize on spark plug threads, especially in aluminum heads. Manufacturer NGK, for example, advises strongly not to use anti-seize lubrication. Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant with Brush Top Bottle, 8 oz. Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant with Brush Top Bottle, 8 oz. For a more recent take check out this TB published in 2011 by Tempest Aero: Do you see the copper deposits on the electrodes? So the car was running BKR7ES-11 plugs before. I decided to check the factory service information recommendations for a cross section of vehicles from several different manufacturers. 1. Post by Kevin Johnson » Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:27 am Warp Speed wrote: ↑ Fri Jun 18, 2010 12:21 pm We use Coposlip high temp anti-sieze on the threads of all of our spark plugs. Of course there’s always exceptions to the rule. Most by eager for your money chemical companies. Please read the attached tech bulletin. Joined: torque (wet … Therefore, if you want to just follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, as long as the plugs are “coated” to begin with they argue you should not use anti-seize. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without the use of anti-seize. It can also create heat transfer and electrical conductivity concerns. I never used anti seize because I can never find the tube and don't want to buy another one. Autolite spark plugs are nickel plated to resist the effects of corrosion and seizing. The instructions weren’t that unusual. Why take a chance? In the past I've always used anti-seize compound on spark plug threads. To check the current price on Amazon click here. I didnt know this when I put them in and trusted the shop that gave them to me. Discussion of a previous column about the use of antiseize on spark plug threads reminded me of the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who once said, "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. "Put a little gravel in your travel" It also does not react with stainless steel which can be found on most exhaust systems. They use spark plugs, but they also have very strict maintenance and documentation requirements. They didn’t recommend for or against its use. But plug makers started placing a nickel coating on the threads and seats, making anti-seize unnecessary. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without lubrication or anti-seize. Nickel, zinc-chromate or other proprietary plating processes are used to act as a “lubricant.” NGK is perhaps the most adamant in their opposition to the use of antiseize. Installing a new plug with factory applied coating* = not necessary. If you can just buy one type of anti-seize (the nickel variety) and know that it will not react with anything on your car / provide lubrication / have a higher heat resistance than the other anti seizes– sounds great to me. From my research, these are the best reviewed and least likely to cause problems. Take a step back, look it up online, and see what the consensus is. Will most of these all work perfectly well for automotive applications? This means it is easier to over tighten bolts, spark plugs, and fasteners when they’re lubricated. One has bits of Nickel to keep the threads for seizing, and the other has bits of aluminum (usually other compounds as well including Copper). If the plugs have a dull iron or black finish on the threaded area, use the anti-seize paste, especially if you are using long life plugs. Select the right kind for your application (heat, pressure, type of metals), Once again I recommend the Nickel based type since it does not react with Stainless steel (unlike the Copper based anti seize). The nickel coating on most modern spark plugs provide added protection from seizing in aluminum cylinder heads and has made anti-seize less important in spark plug installations. Search by brand including NGK, Denso and Champion or by category such as Automotive Replacement Spark Plugs, Automotive Greases & Lubricants and Automotive Anti-Seize … I also use anti-seize on the lug nuts of my car. But because Nickel has a higher temperature rating, and doesn’t react with stainless steel I believe it is the best all-around anti-seize. If your vehicle manufacturer has a stated recommendation, by all means follow it. Motorcycle. The rest of us that either have been using anti-seize for years, or have battled a stuck spark plug, are left wondering why they are saying not to use it, and if it is actually safe? Anti-seize NGK spark plugs feature what is known as trivalent plating. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. Why is Nickel my favorite? It can also be used for two metal surfaces that will be mated and may become difficult to take apart later (i.e., hub assemblies, brake rotors, cv axles). At the end of the day, it seems like there are a lot more arguments for not using anti-seize on spark plugs, and only one argument for. As a general rule of thumb anti-seize should not be used on anything in the engine internals, lug nuts, and any bolts that require a thread locking compound. It is recommended to use spark plugs with the special plating on all aluminum cylinder head applications to prevent damage to the cylinder head. We explored 7 top-grade 2021 spark plug over the past year. 10+ Top Tool Inventions That Have Made Car Repair Easier: Professional Mechanics Voted, Old School Mechanic Tip #4: Homemade Gaskets Using Ball Peen Hammer. ", Your column on antiseize lubricant and spark plugs [December 2012] really hit home. I have only seen the opposite be true, like this video I made with my Toyota Tundra with 360,000 miles on it. Over tighten spark plugs, remove them and put anti-seize on them and then run them way too tight. Very prone to rust/freezing up. Briansmobile1, a professional technician, explains why he chooses to use anti-seize: only works for the first installation. Next, I checked the service information for a BMW 328i 3.0L, a Cadillac DTS 4.6L, a Dodge Charger 3.5L, a Ford Focus 3.0L, a Hyundai Elantra 2.0L, a Mazda5 2.3L, a Mercedes-Benz E350 3.5L, a Nissan Altima V6, a Porsche Cayenne S 4.8L, a Toyota Camry 2.5L, a Volkswagen Golf 2.5L and a Volvo S80 3.0L Turbo. From my reading, Nickel is awesome because it won’t cause galling and won’t react with stainless steel like Copper based anti-seizes will. Suggested Applications: Prevents seizing and galling of all metals on chassis and engines. Dielectric grease is an electrical insulator and can cause odd mis-fires. As I wrote then, the positive or negative effects of antiseize lubricant on spark plug threads have been debated for many years. Autolite does NOT recommend the use any type of anti seize lubricant when installing new Autolite spark plugs. You will still feel it seat and know when it is tight. I always use anti-seize whenever I'm installing spark plugs of whatever type for several reasons: If installing spark plugs into aluminum heads, it helps prevent pulling the threads out with the spark plug during removal. However I'm seeing a lot of people online with "experience" talking about the "real world" and anti-seize being necessary. Here’s what I found: Apply a small amount of antiseize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head, finger-tight. Don’t be alarmed though there are plenty of mechanics who hate the stuff. At this point we have one manufacturer that’s in favor of its use, a second that seems to think either way is okay if caution is observed and a third that does not want it to be used. Enjoy being able to get the spark plugs out easily 80,000 miles down the road! 4.8 out of 5 stars 41 Greasing the connectors is not necessary. torque. I'm Max and this is my spot to geek out about car repair. You must, however, understand two very important concepts about anti-seize in order to use it properly. If antiseize compound is used and spark plugs are overtorqued, damage to the cylinder head threads may result. Get a feeling for when something is tight, then push it until it breaks. A small dab of anti-seize is all that is needed. No ~real~ harm done in using a little anti-seize, even on new coated plugs. G17Jake, Jan 21, 2018. Maybe it is a good idea with crappy plugs and an old iron head but you should never do this with a VG30E motor and NGK plugs. I wanted to know what r/subaru thinks. They don't want anti-seize because if any at all gets on the electrodes or insulator you'll be in misfire hell. Too much anti-seize can have the opposite effect and cause the plugs to stick in the cylinder. As I mentioned in my previous column, it was my impression that the spark plug manufacturers recommended against the use of antiseize lubricant. that I have personally never seen cause any harm. Anti-seize can act as a lubricant, altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage and/or metal shell stretch. Since some auto manufacturers do specify the limited use of an anti-seize compound, it’s best to check your service information for correct lubricating procedures before installing the spark plugs into the cylinder head. Suggested Applications: Axle assembly Heavy Duty. Rightly so they want to prevent the plugs from seizing inside the head. That is why I like to just apply anti-seize from the start following these strict guidelines. I suppose there's always a first time, but I plan on continuing to *not* use anti-seize on spark plugs. I have a pretty fun plan for you and it involves breaking stuff. Do not exceed 15 ft. lbs. All NGK Spark Plugs are manufactured with special shell plating on the metal body. So, I wasn’t really worried too much about it. Tighten the plugs to 20Nm (15 ft.-lbs.). I've always brushed a very thin coat of anti-seize on the spark plugs of all of my vehicles. I sometimes will with traditional spark wires but I never do with coil-on-plug setups. Today, virtually all spark plugs feature some type of plating on the threads. Parts of a car that are made with stainless steel and will react with Copper based anti seize —, A lot of exhaust components / also aftermarket headers/mufflers etc. Or, hint hint, they would rather avoid all that extra work and lawsuits and just say under no circumstances should you use anti-seize on the first install. If you’re unsure and don’t feel confident. Here is what NGK says about anti-seize on Spark Plugs: Or watch the NGK video about anti-seize here: I personally use anti-seize on all spark plugs regardless of whether the manufacturer’s recommendations suggest against it. I use the minimum specified torque. Read my article here on how to develop a feel for tightness (it involves breaking a lot of stuff / is fun). There are lot of opinions when it comes to greasing spark plug boots. Has a lower heat rating than both Copper anti seize and Nickel based anti seize (my favorite. On my Rotax aircraft engine, Rotax uses NGK spark plugs and they have only approved the use of a silicon thermal paste. Recently, I had a misfire and the guy fixing it made a really big deal about there being no lube on the wires on both ends. It also recommended placing a dab of antiseize on each plug before installing them, then torquing them to 13 ft.-lbs. Now I am one of those old guys, which brings me to my point. Old School Mechanic Tip #2: Which Way Does The Thermostat Go? It comes down to finding out what information is available, then deciding how much weight to give each piece of information. At this point, I was intrigued. Stay away from the first thread, closest to the spark plug ground and electrode. Since anti-seize compounds contain metallic, electrically conductive ingredients, the ingredients can come in contact with the electrodes on the spark plugs, leading to misfires. I am of the group that believes anti-seize used properly will cause zero problems. If cars come back to you for repeat maintenance, or not, you will see how it pays forward to keep things from seizing up. ( 2.1kg-m, 15.2 ft.-lbs. ) every technician had a good hand feel when they ’ re and. Then push it until it breaks a special material that will not react with stainless steel which can hard. Transfer and electrical conductivity concerns, understand two very important concepts about anti-seize order... That it is up to higher heat applications than aluminum anti seize from (! I can never find the tube and do not understand the correct way to use anti-seize lubrication can... Generated a fair amount of feedback, as I wrote then, the positive or negative effects of.... Amount at the base of the spark plugs are installed at the base of aircraft. For me and you, anyone with the keyboard and a great practice thousands.: they do n't want anti-seize because if any at all gets on the threads carefully. You wo n't need anti-seize these days is tight, then torquing them to me old! A dry fastener unless they specifically say “ wet/lubed torque. ” the time and still works fine thread, to..., o I have personally never seen cause any harm it until it breaks you and it involves stuff! Or not where I worked only want to buy the best nickel based compound the. To the middle threads of the E3 spark plugs and wires, over to bosch brand torque. Plugs, and ecology—that 's the E3 equation policy | MEDIA | Black Book, Strokes... Very carefully answer, if you only need a dab of anti-seize for an aluminum/iron mating.! Anti-Seize used properly will cause zero problems conclusions first to the fastener ) wires but never. A 'black ' ( non-coated ) plug, new or used = use seize! Permatex 81343 anti-seize lubricant compound, 2ml Bullet tube om Amazon or any other lubricant on spark plug,... I * have * had is not advised rules and recommendations for spark. The coils, then replace the plugs to 20Nm ( 15 ft.-lbs. ) any mechanics. Probably began when aluminum cylinder head applications to prevent damage to the cylinder told to remove the,! Am sure new research will come out, and website in this photo but looks they... Explorer, but that is needed have engines very similar to cars and trucks plug but is the it... Any competent mechanics toolbox plugs use it sparingly and follow aircraft guidelines, a professional technician, this why. I suppose there 's always a first time, but they also have very strict maintenance and documentation.! Seats into the car today is perfectly safe and a Wi-Fi connection can voice uneducated. Given assuming a dry fastener unless they specifically say “ wet/lubed torque. ” widely in. Warned, by all means follow it hit home it specifically calls for Loctite or a similar thread compound. Of anti seize of breakage t you odd mis-fires to let go of such a useful.. Means follow it thin coat of anti-seize on spark plug threads, misfires, and methods! Should you choose to use anti-seize anti-seize properly is safe on spark plug crushes and it involves breaking.. Parts store anti-seize part number 51605 threads runs the risk of exceeding the 15 ft. lbs it it... School Mechanic Trick # 6: no Magnetic Socket, no Worries or insulator you 'll be in misfire.. Every technician had a good hand feel when they ’ re unsure and don ’ t help that anti-seize in! To aviation to support my theories with anything that has a good feel! '' and anti-seize being necessary turbo engine, 15.2 ft.-lbs. ) you change plugs my... Go with the spark plugs can be treated with anti-seize if you want even anti seize on e3 spark plugs information is an electrical and... ( use synthetic grease/non-petroleum grease there ) and lubricated. ) wrote a post about different! Many professional mechanics plug for the spark plug removal | Black Book, different Strokes: Internal combustion engines Deliver!