Spark plugs and anti seize

I've been saying this for years for all of these reasons, especially the part concerning grounding.

Good info. Thank you.



Ed

I've been doing this for years with never any problems. I even remember buying some sparkplugs with it already applied to the threads. Although I have been a little surprised lately after taking something apart that I put neversieze on a few years ago and still having trouble getting them apart. The bed tiedowns come to mind. I guess my next sparkplug change I'll skip the Neversieze.

l1tech,

Good post and interesting to see different perspectives.



As with anything, when a little dab will do, people think that a bigger dab will be even better. I have used anti-seize compound on the treads of spark plugs going into both cast iron and aluminum head for many years an have never encountered any problems either in removing the plugs or in the plugs not grounding. A small dab at the bottom of the thread will lube the treads and the metal body of the plug base will properly ground the plug.



That may be a different story with the new 2 piece spark plugs, since the threaded part is bonded to the rest of the plug and that bonding agent may interrupt the ground if the threads are not making a good ground??



I just don't understand why auto makers have switched to the two piece plugs when they could have made the same plugs in the older one piece design that would work just as well....There does not appear to be any advantage to making a two piece plug and it has caused a lot of problems and confusion.



...Rich

Scott,

Good info. Here is the question I pose to this. I dont use regular anti-sieze. I use a high temp conductive copper type, non-ghraphite. I have for years with out any problems. I only put a dap on one side a few threads abvove the bottom. I dont torque. Cant get the torque wrench in most places, on some plugs. I just place my hand on the rathet head and let my fingers do the work. I never have had any of the problems the article speaks of. I havent done as many cars as you, but. Between mine and family and freinds. I have been the go to guy...LOL



What are your thoughts.?

Richard



Good point in that if a little is good then alot must be better. As far as spark plug design goes are there other manufactuerers that use the 2 piece design. As far as I know Ford is the only one...but that doesn't mean anything.



Eddie



As far as I am concerned spark plugs that are installed correctly and removed properly don't have an issue. I am like you in that I don't use a torque wrench, after doing it this many years you develop a feel for it. I have had the pleasure of experiencing every issue that the article mentions when putting anti seize on spark plugs although it has never been my fault...if your in this business long enough you get to see it all sooner or later. My biggest issue with anti seize is the grounding of the spark plug. Older ignition systems are more forgiving in that they don't really get monitored and pick up on every little anamoly, but with individual coils for every cylinder and the monitoring and the control the pcm has over the coil, these little problems are picked up on and will turn on the "empty wallet light" in a heartbeat.



I'm not telling everyone to stop putting anti seize on your plug threads as everyone has their own technique that works for them, just be aware of some of the potential pitfalls when doing so.

l1tech,

I don't know if Ford is the only auto maker who used the 2 piece plugs, but there was a recent episode of Motor Week where Pat Goss was discussing the proper way to remove 2 piece plugs, and even said that even when using the proper technique, the plugs can still break, leaving the threaded end in the cylinder head...:cry:



His method involved cracking each plug loose only about 1/8th of a turn, then spraying around the sparkplugs with penetrating oil and let it sit for about 30 minutes or more. Then screw the plug in an out a little at a time (like you are tapping threads) to clear the debris until you can back the plugs out without much resistance. Is that the method you use?



He did not mention any particular auto maker, but seemed to imply that other automakers were using 2 piece spark plugs....or perhaps there are 2 piece replacement plugs for those that came from the factory with the older style 1 piece plugs??? I have no clue who would want to switch...:grin:



If I recall correctly, he mentioned the use of anti-seize compound, but only a small dab at the tip of the threads because, like you he did not want it to effect the grounding of the plug.



That makes perfect sense to me on the 2 piece plugs.



...Rich

Anyone having trouble with this link? I REALLY want to read the article. :cry:

worked fine for me Steve. I emailed it to you as a second test.

Sondra, no go from your PM link either. I'll try connecting from another computer. Thanks! nline: :supercool: