The best anti-seize compound I have ever used, and always with complete
success and satisfaction is good ole white lithium grease. It always works,
apparently reacts with nothing, and inhibits rust and other forms of
corrosion, and it's very inexpensive: a one pound tub for $2.00 or so.
Jim
Jim Stuart wrote:
> Gentlemen-
>
> The recent issue of Moss Motoring- an excellent publication, by the
> way- contains a tech tip regarding spark plug replacement that poses a
> potential hazard to many car owners, especially those with aluminum
> cylinder heads.
>
> I finds no fault with the basic recommendation that spark plug holes be
> chased with a tap & cleaned before a new plug is installed. This is
> sound advice for all, regardless of the type of cylinder head.
>
> The statement recommending the use of an anti seize compound is what
> concerns me. While this may be a good idea for many engines, there are
> several sets of circumstances where that recommendation may cause just
> the result it is aimed at preventing. I speak specifically about
> aluminum heads, such as those found on TR7's & TR8's and Rover V8's. I
> have no opinion regarding cast iron heads, a subject on which I have
> little experience.
>
> First, there are 2 general types of anti seize commonly available to the
> hobbyist, silver, the most common, a low temp product best used for
> suspension parts, & a copper colored product, usually labeled "High
> Temperature". The silver, low temp product, will bond to spark plugs in
> some cases, making there removal from an aluminum head almost impossible
> without damaging the threads. I learned this the hard way. Should
> someone else experience this situation, the only way I have found to
> remove plugs without damage is to unscrew until strong resistance is
> felt, reverse, spray a good lubricant such as silicon, back out some
> more, reverse, spray, etc. It may take 10 minutes or more, but better
> than helicoils. Remember, you should never remove spark plugs from an
> aluminum cylinder head until it is cool. If you feel anti seize is
> necessary for your requirements, use the high temp only, & use it very
> sparingly.
>
> The second, more general situation concerns a particular brand of spark
> plugs, Champion. These plugs have a factory applied anti seize compound,
> I am guessing that it is a dry film lubricant. On the old Cooper
> Automotive web page, there was a tech tip in regard to this, which
> pointedly suggested that you do not use any other anti seize product on
> Champion Spark Plugs. In this competitive world, it is safe to assume
> other spark plug manufacturers may also provide an anti seize coating.
>
> To summarize, do not apply any anti seize to a spark plug without first
> contacting the manufacturer to check for prohibitions, & never use low
> temp anti seize on any spark plug, or any other threads subject to high
> temperatures such as exhaust manifold bolts. It will do more harm than
> good.
>
> I am copying this e-mail to the 2 automotive lists I subscribe to, I
> hope you are able to provide additional information to others who may
> read & act upon the tech tip you have printed.
>
> Jim Stuart
> Montgomery Village, Md
> jimbb88@erols.com
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