Author Topic: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant  (Read 2542 times)

Offline cappisj1

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Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« on: November 23, 2023, 05:44:46 PM »
Should I be using anti-seize, dielectric grease or normal grease on my spark plug threads. I don’t want them to get stuck in there with all that heat.

Thanks,
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Offline chuck peterson

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2023, 06:16:20 PM »
“A few tiny dabs of antisneeze..and best not to run plugs in and out in a hot cylinder..”

Said my machinist after fixing the stripped spark plug hole
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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2023, 06:22:33 PM »
Actually...none. Lubricant can give a false sense of actual tightening torque and lead to stripping.

SR

Offline n3303j

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2023, 06:26:32 PM »
Don't use anti-seize compound on the spark plug threads for your 0-200 Continental engine said my A&P friend.





Use the proper product designed for the application.
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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2023, 06:26:32 PM »

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2023, 06:29:02 PM »
P.S. -- per NGK factory:

NGK spark plugs feature trivalent plating. This silver or chrome-colored finish on the threads is designed to provide corrosion resistance against moisture and chemicals. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without lubrication or anti-seize.

Anti-seize can act as a lubricant, altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage and/or metal shell stretch. Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.

SR

Offline Scout63

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2023, 07:01:12 PM »
Great information.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Online Wayne Orwig

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2023, 07:08:51 PM »
My car, a 2000 Mazda, specifically tells you that you MUST use anti-seize on the treads. The plug would 'lock' in my Honda 600 if I did not anti-seize it.

I also use a dab of dielectric in the cap to help waterproof them. A habit I got into on my dirt bikes to help keep them going in the rain and mud.
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Offline skixc1

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #7 on: November 23, 2023, 07:38:48 PM »
Be careful using the silver/aluminum type anti-seize. This stuff can act as an insulator, and the spark plugs need a good ground. There is a copper type anti-seize which I believe provides electrical continuity. 
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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #8 on: November 23, 2023, 07:56:27 PM »
Yeah, but ... we're talking Moto Guzzi here.

Going back to the beginning of the thread: "...best not to run plugs in and out of a hot cylinder." Guess what: if you want to get plugs out of something like a 5.4-liter Ford, the best way is to do it hot. Otherwise, there's a good chance they're going to break.

So again...we're not talkin' Mazda, Ford, Continental Aero, or?

SR

Offline chuck peterson

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #9 on: November 24, 2023, 02:19:42 AM »
Thanks for that! Further evidence of my dinosaur status..
"I'd like to thank all my friends who have kept my Guzzi's going, but mostly...TOMB."
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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #10 on: November 24, 2023, 08:03:07 AM »
Be careful using the silver/aluminum type anti-seize. This stuff can act as an insulator, and the spark plugs need a good ground. There is a copper type anti-seize which I believe provides electrical continuity.

The power to your house likely passes through a lot of aluminum to get there. The current for that spark likely passes through carbon resistance at some point. It will have no problem passing through aluminum to the aluminum head. Plus you can be certain that there is still metal to metal contact in there.

Scientist have discovered that people will believe anything, if you first say "Scientists have discovered...."

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #11 on: November 24, 2023, 08:05:26 AM »
Yeah, but ... we're talking Moto Guzzi here.

The OP did not mention that.
Scientist have discovered that people will believe anything, if you first say "Scientists have discovered...."

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #12 on: November 24, 2023, 08:25:13 AM »
Yes, you can use a little anti-seize and I would recommend using on aluminum cylinder heads.
One issue with different metals is electrolysis and welding the dissimilar metals together. Anti-seize helps prevent this. Moto Guzzi lists a lot of torque specs as wet specs, that said if you can’t replace an easy to access spark plug without stripping, cross threading and ripping the threads out maybe you shouldn’t be replacing spark plugs.

Offline yamaguzzi

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #13 on: November 24, 2023, 08:42:56 AM »
I use a little anti seize on mine and have for the past 20 years or so with no ill effects

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #14 on: November 24, 2023, 11:23:15 AM »
Using anti-seize in the plugs in the aircraft shop was a must. Especially with aluminum heads.
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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #15 on: November 24, 2023, 05:15:48 PM »
I like the permatex copper anti sieze for this application. It has powdered copper in it, and comes in a little brush top container, that makes it easy to brush on the plug threads. Plugs always come out easy, and smoothy.
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Offline aklawok

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #16 on: November 24, 2023, 05:54:39 PM »
 As an alternative, I have used 2stroke oil on occasion, mostly in corrosive ( marine) environment also using it for storage top end lube, gets on the threads anyway, but just a drop or two .
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Online Perazzimx14

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #17 on: November 25, 2023, 10:05:31 AM »
I use a 50/50 mixture of Locktite 272,  molybdenum disulfide powder and dielectric grease that contains 73.8% copper oxide to conduct electricity while simultaneously stopping conduction of electricity. Stick, slip, flow and no :thumb:
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Offline Tom

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #18 on: November 25, 2023, 12:25:00 PM »
This almost as good as an oil thread.   :boozing:

No lube. 
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Offline Bisbee

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #19 on: November 25, 2023, 12:56:38 PM »
I use permatex aluminum anti seize on the BMW, Guzzi, Porsche plugs. Permatex copper anti seize on brake bolts, etc. I sleep well and  don’t agonize about it. 👍🥃👍
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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #20 on: November 25, 2023, 01:01:01 PM »
It is, it also strikes me as funny that those who hate threads like this feel the need to post on threads like this which in turn adds to the thread in question.

I actually was looking for information, times change, things come and go, looking at threads from 5 years ago might not be the latest and greatest.

The other things in threads like these is when someone tries, key word tries, to be funny and cute and completely fails.
I love humor in a forum but the post has to at least make some sense. Take for instance 50-50 mix using three items.
Hopefully that was done on purpose as part of the humor attempt, at least I hope so. The alternative reason is scary not funny. Finally, saying the one thing in common on different engines (another thread) would be incorrect, there are many. Maybe they meant one OF the things in common. It completely ruins the humor attempt, key word attempt.

Respectfully

Online bad Chad

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #21 on: November 25, 2023, 02:16:23 PM »
This thread has something for everyone on the subject.  No matter where you come down on the topic, there is someone who claims you're doing it right.  Sure there is also someone claiming you're doing it wrong, but we humans have become pretty accustomed to only listening to "our" tribe, so it fits right in.
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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #22 on: November 25, 2023, 03:10:31 PM »
This thread has something for everyone on the subject.  No matter where you come down on the topic, there is someone who claims you're doing it right.  Sure there is also someone claiming you're doing it wrong, but we humans have become pretty accustomed to only listening to "our" tribe, so it fits right in.

I kind of get what you’re saying. I rarely look to the left at the posters name so not familiar with the different “tribes”. Keep in mind a new member has no idea which tribe to join.
For no other reason but to try and do the right thing for my bike I will ask about oil. It’s not to watch the ceiling come crashing down just for information. I’m satisfied about what to use now but it was the long way around the barn.
I’m not sure this thread has something for everyone. A new member who wants to know if they should or shouldn’t use anti-seize will most likely still be confused and look elsewhere.

Offline Bulldog9

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #23 on: November 25, 2023, 03:29:23 PM »
NGK with the rolled threads do not require Anything. If I find rust on the threads of the plug, I will will use a copper based antisieze, and very sparingly.

Dielectric should only be used on the rubber boot, never on the threads.

 
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Offline Bulldog9

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #24 on: November 25, 2023, 03:34:44 PM »
This thread has something for everyone on the subject.  No matter where you come down on the topic, there is someone who claims you're doing it right.  Sure there is also someone claiming you're doing it wrong, but we humans have become pretty accustomed to only listening to "our" tribe, so it fits right in.

Tribe? This is a Guzzi tribe.
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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #25 on: November 25, 2023, 04:23:51 PM »
Heat range issues is another  reason to not use anti-sleaze . Local tech/ racer told me that a long time ago.. He now runs Suzuki warranty's for the east coast.. His advice has always been spot-on..I stopped doing that a long time ago. 5.4 liter Ford I would probably do it. That's the least of your problems.. :evil:

Offline Mike Tashjian

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #26 on: November 26, 2023, 08:10:01 AM »
Spark plugs vary widely in every possible way.  So the only sure bets are what does a particular application require.  I make sure if the plug has a crushable gasket that it crushes on the first install to get a good seal. If the plug is a tapered style I make sure I just torque it properly or not more than the fractional turn on the box.  That is where the heat range is made functional, not through the threads.  I have found Dielectric grease to very good  for most applications on a spark plug tower.  But it can cause issues with poor release on some coil on plug or rubber boot extensions.  I find many times a plug torqued correctly will still loosen over time, so checking them once in a while is a good practice.  With many new types of electrodes coming into play there will be more questions than answers.  I have been trying some of them out and time will tell if they really are better. 

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #27 on: November 26, 2023, 10:46:36 AM »
I bet a lot of people in the old days who had Mercury outboards wish they had used something. Spark plugs for these motors had only a 3/8" reach. I have picked up quite a few with Helicoils already installed.
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Offline Speedfrog

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #28 on: November 26, 2023, 06:18:49 PM »
What's the difference between antisneeze and antisleaze . . .  Asking for a friend . . .  :evil:  :violent1:
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Online Perazzimx14

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Re: Spark Plug Thread Lubricant
« Reply #29 on: November 26, 2023, 06:30:14 PM »
What's the difference between antisneeze and antisleaze . . .  Asking for a friend . . .  :evil:  :violent1:

One keeps things from binding the other keeps Enik away. Anti-Sleestak :thumb:







« Last Edit: November 26, 2023, 06:30:56 PM by Perazzimx14 »
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