Most spark plug manufacturers recommend not using anti-seize or any other lubricant on the threads. There are tons of other applications for anti seize when you’re working on cars, here are some of my favorites: Here is briansmobile1 talking about why using anti seize will be good karma for you in the future: Basically, with time and experience, you will learn to use anti-seize safely and effectively. How does this affect a torque wrench? And keep your friends and family safe. All NGK Spark Plugs are manufactured with a special trivalent zinc-chromate shell plating that is designed to prevent both corrosion and seizure to the cylinder head, thus eliminating the need for any thread compounds or lubricants. Unfortunately, for me and you, anyone with the keyboard and a Wi-Fi connection can voice their uneducated opinion. I have always used Permatex 81343 for the Explorer, but that is an iron head. The unique patented electrode configuration of the E3 spark plugs increases the amount of combustion pressure created during each power stroke of an engine. Putting anti-seize grease on the Trivalent Metal Plating threads runs the risk of exceeding the 15 ft. lbs. 1⁄3 of the specified torque in order to avoid overstressing. Please read the attached tech bulletin. It comes down to finding out what information is available, then deciding how much weight to give each piece of information. Manufacturer NGK, for example, advises strongly not to use anti-seize lubrication. Motorcycle. E3 automotive plugs have three legs securing the Diamond Fire electrode to the shell. I hope you enjoy them! If your vehicle manufacturer has a stated recommendation, by all means follow it. 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. 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). Go past where you know it is tight. Understand that lubricating threads means you need to apply less torque to achieve the same tightness. Greasing the connectors is not necessary. Will most of these all work perfectly well for automotive applications? Therefore, you can slap it on pretty much anything on a car without worrying about it reacting poorly. Anti-Seize and spark plugs. Will last you a lifetime if you buy the jar like this. What does Spark Plug Manufacturers Say About Using Anti-Seize: Why do all spark plug companies say not to use anti-seize on their plugs? Briansmobile1, a professional technician, explains why he chooses to use anti-seize: only works for the first installation. NGK says their metal is a special material that will not stick to anything and no anti seize is recommended because of potential over-torquing. We do not recommend the use of any antiseize products for installing spark plugs. After reading the rationale in your column, I’m inclined to go without antiseize. Anti-seize on NGK spark plugs in aluminum heads is a no-no. It is up to you to come up with your own technique and style. It has the highest temperature rating and seems to be well-liked by professional mechanics. If you aren’t experienced installing spark plugs, in general, you need to develop a feel for the correct tightness. 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’ll summarize what I found, starting with a Chevy Cobalt: Caution: Do not coat spark plug threads with antiseize compound. A small dab of anti-seize is all that is needed. Copper Anti Seize Corrodes Stainless Steel and Works Only To 1800°F (982°C). From NGK - For spark plugs with special metal plating; anti-seize is not recommended during installation. 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. Best Spark Plug 2021. Seeing as pretty much the hottest part of a car would be the turbo (which usually would never go higher than 1200 degrees Fahrenheit both should work fine). The instructions weren’t that unusual. Energy, efficiency, and ecology—that's the E3 equation! Install a 'black' (non-coated) plug, new or used = use anti seize. Personally, I find it wise to follow the NGK recommendation. For the 99% of people that are going to be using anti seize working on cars, tractors, trucks it is a relatively simple compound to understand and choose correctly. The worst … When starting hard-to-reach bolts and I want to be sure they go in easily. 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. Anti-seize can alter the tightening torque up to 20%, increasing the risk of breakage. Today, virtually all spark plugs feature some type of plating on the threads. they would say using anti-seize is perfectly safe and a great practice. Because it likely has to do more with protecting themselves from lawsuits, than actual good practice. How to tighten a spark plug without a torque wrench: Do Automotive Technicians Use Torque Wrenches on Spark Plugs: Some Mechanics Use Anti-Seize and Swear By It, Others Never Touch It: Why Nickel Based Anti-Seize Is The Best For Automotive Use: According to Aircraft Technicians and Engineers On Application of Anti Seize: Other ways to use anti-seize correctly (a tiny amount): What do some technicians have to say on forums/Facebook about anti-seize? By telling you not to use anti-seize they reduce their liability and do not have to provide two torque recommendations (wet and dry) on their packages. Rightly so they want to prevent the plugs from seizing inside the head. However, once you know how to apply anti-seize correctly from all my research I found it highly useful in preventing problems removing spark plugs in the future. Check with the spark plug mfr to see what they say. I always tighten spark plugs by feel. This question has been debated for thousands of hours on the internet. When applying anti-seize, only put a small amount at the base of the spark plug. For Landfill applications, anti-seize is highly recommended. Has a lower heat rating than both Copper anti seize and Nickel based anti seize (my favorite. If you don’t want to read the whole post just remember these simple concepts, A. apply way less anti-seize than you think–to the middle of the threads only. Nickel Based Anti Seize from Motorcraft (links to Amazon). It is a little more expensive. 4.8 out of 5 stars 41 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). This stretches and fatigues the threads of the spark plugs, causing a much higher probability that the plug will break during installation or in some cases upon removal. Many spark plugs are nickel plated and do not require anti-seize. 1-16 of 287 results for "anti seize for spark plugs" Filter results by your vehicle: Enter a new vehicle to add it to Your Garage and filter the results below. Many spark plugs are nickel plated and do not require anti-seize. There is copper based, aluminum based, nickel based and weird combinations of all three marketed simply as “silver.”. When applying it to Spark Plugs especially use it sparingly and follow Aircraft guidelines. Many spark plug manufacturers have issued statements saying that using anti-seize on spark plugs in 2018/19 is not advised. You do not want any anti-seize on the ground or electrode, ever! Endoscope Vs. Borescope: What Is The Real Difference? However, the NGK website states they use Trivalent Metal Plating on the threads and this provides Anti-Corrosion and Anti-Seizing protection. Break stuff. 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. In the beginning, DIYer technician getting the proper tightness on spark plug can take a lot of trial and error. I hadn’t previously been aware of a manufacturer recommending the use of antiseize lubricant on spark plugs, so I decided to see what the manufacturer of my vehicle, a 2007 Subaru Legacy, recommended. torque. Discussion Starter • #1 • Jul 16, 2010. does anybody use anti-sieze on their sparks plug or install them dry? Re: Anti-seize on spark plugs with aluminum heads? Also, the protective coating that these manufacturers say protects you from the plug seizing in the head only works for the first installation. Autolite spark plugs are nickel plated to resist the effects of corrosion and seizing. 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? I love looking to aviation to support my theories with anything that has a crossover in the automotive world. However, from my research and asking mechanics in both the aviation and automotive industry, there is a safe way to use anti-seize on spark plugs even if they’re coated already. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. I'm Max and this is my spot to geek out about car repair. Of all the varieties of anti-seize, you can buy, your safest bet is these two types: If you only want to buy one type and have it handle everything you need, get the nickel variety. It seals the threads to help keep the combustion gasses inside the … Lots of YouTube videos confirming that NGK plugs do not need it. If you want to read about how you can get snap on tools used cheaply check out my guide here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Advanced Oil Change Tip: They Do It On Airplanes, Why Don’t You? Prevent the plugs to stick in the middle of the specified torque in order to use on automotive plugs! If thread lubricant is used and spark plug manufacturers ’ recommendations next group that believes anti-seize used properly cause! This a very simplified answer, if you so choose on being the next guy to replace.. That DIYers and technicians alike do not use anti-seize tighten plugs above should be applied to only spark! 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