Anti-Seize on Spark Plugs

[Chris Lovell]

Would it be a bad idea to use copper anti-seize on spark plugs? I know about the debate about electric conduction but my concern is the possibility of corrosion between competing metals. Copper and aluminum are not friendly in contact with each other on roof flashing. Would this be a similar problem with copper in contact with the spark plug and cylinder head?
Thanks,
CL

[wswilburn]

I use it and haven't seen any problems.

[diverdan]

I use graphite.

Dan

[JerryL]

I always use an anti-seize although at this time my can is not copper, the grey made by ???

Regards

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by Chris Lovell

Would it be a bad idea to use copper anti-seize on spark plugs? I know about the debate about electric conduction but my concern is the possibility of corrosion between competing metals. Copper and aluminum are not friendly in contact with each other on roof flashing. Would this be a similar problem with copper in contact with the spark plug and cylinder head?
Thanks,
CL

Hi Chris,

FWIW,..I've used copper-based anti-seize on every plug installed in an aluminum headed engine for 34+ years without any difficulties or issues whatsoever. For me, this has prevented problems when extracting the old plugs and has not affected the operating temp range.

Its critically important to use very little and ensure that its spread evenly across the threads. The "Devil is in the Details",...

[304065]

Just don't overtorque the plug- the antiseize acts as a lubricant which will allow you to put a lot more preload on the plug and stress the threads. "Modern" engines don't have a separate helicoil insert for the threads.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by Steve@Rennsport

Hi Chris,

FWIW,..I've used copper-based anti-seize on every plug installed in an aluminum headed engine for 34+ years without any difficulties or issues whatsoever. For me, this has prevented problems when extracting the old plugs and has not affected the operating temp range.

Its critically important to use very little and ensure that its spread evenly across the threads. The "Devil is in the Details",...

+1, with one exception. I've used lithium-based grease in the same way that Steve uses copper-based AS - and that is nothing more than a personal preference.

NEVER use the silver/gray anti-seize!!!

[john walker's workshop]

i use nothing, as per porsche's recommendation. no issues either.

[DW SD]

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

NEVER use the silver/gray anti-seize!!!

Just curious, what's wrong with the silver / gray permatex product?

Thank you,

Doug

[JerryL]

Originally Posted by DW SD

Just curious, what's wrong with the silver / gray permatex product?

Thank you,

Doug

Yes do tell, I dont use permatex I think Bostic or something (metal can with handy brush), have been using the same on Porsche, Mercedes and VW aluminum heads for 35+ years.
Not that I am going to change but I would like to hear the reasoning.

Regards

[David E. Clark]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

i use nothing, as per porsche's recommendation. no issues either.

Over many years of reviewing advice given on this board I've learned that you will never go wrong relying on John Walker's posts. When they are backed up by Porsche engineers; well - ignore at your own peril!

[RWebb]

the reason appears to be contamination problems re the O2 sensor or catalyst

likely OK if you have an older car with MFI or carbs - I usually use anti-sieze on my carb'ed motor

[David E. Clark]

Originally Posted by RWebb

the reason appears to be contamination problems re the O2 sensor or catalyst

likely OK if you have an older car with MFI or carbs ...

Except that the service bulletin specifically says:

"This procedure now applies retroactively to all Porsche models. All spark plugs should be installed with the threads clean and dry."

[john walker's workshop]

same aluminum head, O2 sensor or not.

[dfink]

Didn't porsche also change the torque spec from an actual foot lbs to = so many degrees of turn past seated? Only would work with new plugs.......
If the original torque spec was made with nothing on the threads then some form of lubricant could really mess with the specs......

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I always routinely used "the silver-grey" lubricant (sold by Champion in the case of aviation usage) on aircraft engine plugs, and so did every A&P mech that I knew. Flat four-, six- and eight-cylinder air-cooled aluminum Lycomings and Continentals are obviously very similar to 911 engines. this has been standard in the aircraft business for at least half a century.

Obviously it's to be applied sparingly and carefully.

[scottb]

Originally Posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson

I always routinely used "the silver-grey" lubricant (sold by Champion in the case of aviation usage) on aircraft engine plugs, and so did every A&P mech that I knew. Flat four-, six- and eight-cylinder air-cooled aluminum Lycomings and Continentals are obviously very similar to 911 engines. this has been standard in the aircraft business for at least half a century.

Obviously it's to be applied sparingly and carefully.

My aircraft engine (a Franklin) is an air-cooled flat six. I ALWAYS use a few dabs of aircraft sparkplug anti-seize when replacing the plugs. I've never had a problem yet.

YMMV.

[chrisgo17]

Fel-Pro Anti-Seize Lubricants

INDUSTRIAL GRADES

NICKEL ANTI-SEIZE
Suitable for use with stainless steel, this copper-free compound is recommended for chemical, waste water and sewage plants, and environments that require a clean, inert lubricant. Resists strong acids, chemicals, and temperatures to 2400° F.

SILVER GRADE
General purpose, silver-colored. Smooth texture makes it suitable for protecting fine threads, snug slip-fits, and other closely-mated parts.

C5-AŽ link to tds and msds
Copper-based formulation protects parts to 1800° F. Our original anti-seize lubricant, C5-A is still our most requested product for protecting nuts, bolts, fittings, and ensuring easy assembly and disassembly of metal parts. Meets MIL-A-907.

Source:http://www.newmantools.com/felpro.htm

[dshepp806]

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

+1, with one exception. I've used lithium-based grease in the same way that Steve uses copper-based AS - and that is nothing more than a personal preference.

NEVER use the silver/gray anti-seize!!!

I'm a lithium guy, too. Everso sparingly on the last two threads.

No problems,.....as mentioned torque application needs to be applied correctly.

Best,

Doyle

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Scott B: Seabee? Stinson Voyager??