Drawback? Many plug manufacturers advise against it anyway and I personally never use it. Do not apply a lot. Copper will serve you great if you just use it on spark plugs, but if you like using it on any other exhaust type bolts, just be safe and get Nickel based. 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. Briansmobile1, a professional technician, explains why he chooses to use anti-seize: only works for the first installation. Will last you a lifetime if you buy the jar like this. Over tighten spark plugs, remove them and put anti-seize on them and then run them way too tight. 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? Right? Some spark plugs have a tapered seat that uses no washer. I had just had all my tools stolen, and was doing repairs on the cheap (plus it was my truck). However, it can be hard to find at your local parts store. When starting hard-to-reach bolts and I want to be sure they go in easily. And installing spark plugs without anti-seize is potentially catastrophic (at least to your weekend plans and wallet). 2. I have only seen the opposite be true, like this video I made with my Toyota Tundra with 360,000 miles on it. Cleaning up the threads in the cylinder, without debris falling into the cylinder, is a different ballgame. That being said the classic aluminum anti-seize should work perfectly well for you. They worry (understandably so) that DIYers and technicians alike do not understand the correct way to use anti-seize. 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. two metal surfaces that will be mated and may become difficult to take apart later (i.e., hub assemblies, brake rotors, cv axles). Over-tightening also results in extremely difficult removal. When you remove the cover, get all of the old gasket out, incuding the rings around the spark plug holes, make sure it's clean of any old RTV, and find a super-duper-flat surface on which to lay it. We can start with some quick conclusions first to the question is putting anti-seize on spark plug threads good to do or dangerous? Prevents future engine damage. 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). Is thread sealant on spark plugs necessary? A slight amount of light weight oil can be applied to the hole and the plug to make installation easier. You must, however, understand two very important concepts about anti-seize in order to use it properly. Anti-seize reduces the friction coefficient: 2. Analyze the Gasket Position and Status. To eliminate the problems associated with spark plugs seizing to the cylinder head, most spark plug manufacturers now apply a metal plating to the threads of new spark plugs. IAN from NY answered on November 05, 2019 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. the 1/2 inch pipe was a standard American size, that was obsolete from almost the beginning, but Ford used it in the model T because he wanted it to be American, and not European. Exhaust Bolts / Turbo Bolts / Anything that gets super hot / cools down. Other than that spark plug threads follow the standard metric system. Most auto parts stores do not carry a Nickel based anti seize. Yet, I've read in many places that when installing a flat tappet cam, use assembly lube on the lobes/lifters only. Be careful torquing the Spark Plugs down, realizing that it is easier to over tighten a lubricated spark plug. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, '06 DL650; '88 C1500; '88 RX-7; '06 Forester X. 1. DIN 7603 Copper / Aluminum Sealing Washers, for DIN 908 Threaded Plugs. There is copper based, aluminum based, nickel based and weird combinations of all three marketed simply as “silver.”. Drop the spark plug, with the HeliCoil attached, into the spark plug hole. Old School Mechanic Tip #3: Bring Some Ice! Lube=oil/anti-seize/any lubricant aka “wet” notice how the torque values are around 20% less than the dry values. x 260 in. It is not necessary to apply to all threads. Well, here you can see me battling them hard. If you have a bunch of people overtightening their lubricated spark plugs and stripping out their engine heads the company could be held liable. You will still feel it seat and know when it is tight. Select the HeliCoil that matches the thread length of the spark plug. 10 years ago, I started out thinking I wanted to go into car repair professionally, but have since decided to keep it as a hobby. I am planning to remove the spark plug tubes from the head and then reseal them I have some Permatex silicon RTV (high temp ultra copper) Gasket Maker which I used during the valve cover gasket installation. I believe the switch to 14MM plugs was done in the early 1950's, mostly because of cross-threading problems with the smaller diameter plugs. Threaded Round Plugs for NPT Pipe Protect internally threaded NPT connections from contaminants during fabrication and storage. Be careful not to put way too much anti-seize on the threads of spark plugs. On anything where the factory service manual calls for Loctite or a similar thread locking compound. It is up to you to form your own educated opinion and go from there. Founding Member. I wasn't sure thread sealant would be the right thing. This increases the likelihood of pulling or stripping the threads in the cylinder head. Required fields are marked *. If cars come back to you for repeat maintenance, or not, you will see how it pays forward to keep things from seizing up. ), Best Spark Plugs for a 2004-2009 Toyota Prius (Guide), 2004-2009 Toyota Prius Front Brake Rattling Over Bumps? You made it this far if you want to check out my list of top ten cool automotive tools click here. Nickel Based Anti Seize from Motorcraft (links to Amazon). they would say using anti-seize is perfectly safe and a great practice. Spark Plug Replacement. Apply to only _?_of a thread turn. The threads in the heads seem sound. I think it's better to simply replace the O-ring every time the plug is removed and don't over-torque the plug. I'm Max and this is my spot to geek out about car repair. It is literally a must-have in any competent mechanics toolbox. Sound complicated? (all 6 front/rear are threaded) 2. spark plug thread sealant 09-11-2018, 07:42 AM. Why is Nickel my favorite? Tons more applications. Unfortunately, I promptly forgot about the sealant and installed the new plugs without it. Well, right there is your answer. If this is not true someone please explain. Can I use this stuff as a thread sealant for the spark plug tubes as well? It is a little more expensive. ), 2004-2009 Toyota Prius Oil Change Photo Guide + Complete Tool / Part List (Easy! is used to reduce the friction created between the male and female threads during assembly. Yes. 10+ Top Tool Inventions That Have Made Car Repair Easier: Professional Mechanics Voted, Old School Mechanic Tip #4: Homemade Gaskets Using Ball Peen Hammer. RIGHT?! Sealing threads which break into water jackets is exactly what it's for. Take the spark plug in your hand and begin looking at it for signs of damage. Hi! Get a feeling for when something is tight, then push it until it breaks. You do not want any anti-seize on the ground or electrode, ever! Also known as Class 125 fittings, they are built for use in low-pressure applications. Will most of these all work perfectly well for automotive applications? Granted that link is from a manufacturer of anti-seize and it doesn’t really simplify anything because they want you to buy a different product for every application. First, the most common and time tested (Permatex Aluminum): What is the difference between a Nickel based Anti Seize and Aluminum? See if the area aroudn that #1 spark plug hole doesn't quite sit flat with the rest of the cover. A tiny bit of anti seize goes a long way). This can lead to stripping out spark plug threads, misfires, and other expensive problems down the road. Feel what it feels like to over tighten plugs. Guess what? It is up to you to come up with your own technique and style. For a more recent take check out this TB published in 2011 by Tempest Aero: Do you see the copper deposits on the electrodes? First step is removing the spark plug threads: Metric 14mm and 18mm are standard European sizes here! Being able to get the best Nickel based and weird combinations of all three marketed simply “! Sealant, 6 ml tube, Pack of 1 you a lifetime if you want even information... Okay anti seize I found online– click here orders over $ 125 * + Free ground Shipping * * in! Plug you want to read about how you can see what the consensus is spot to geek out car. Your email address will not react with Stainless Steel threaded plugs and sealing plugs offer control filling... 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