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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Antiseize on Sparkplugs

Is it a good idea to use antiseize, something like Permatex aluminum or copper, on sparkplug threads when they're fitted to aluminum heads? Or does the heat negate the effectiveness, or can it cause the plugs to blow out? Thanks, Joe
Joe Ullman

Hi Joe,

Yes, definately use an anti seize compound when installing spark plugs and dielectric grease on the plug boots.
Also, use anti seize when using 2 different metals against each other. i.e. steel bolt in aluminum threads. (galvanic corrosion?)
There are also many anti seize compounds available depending on application.
The compound will act as a thread lubricant too preventing galling etc.

Cheers

Pete
Pete Mantell

Joe,

copper baseded antiseize compounds will be a risk as corrosion might be a real problem as the contained grease too.
It is very easy to use an ordinary pencil and whipe it over the threads of the spark. As there is no grease or oil within this graphite powder from the pencil no damage will occure and no binding of the thread too.

Ralph
Ralph

With both be careful not to get it down too far. It will cause a missfire. But, do use antiseize of some type.
Kelly Combes

This thread was around 2-3 years ago, but is worth repeating.

Check with the spark plug manufacturer. Several will tell you their plugs have a coating from the factory and nothing else should be used.
Jim Stuart

Joe,
Loctite make a product called Nickel Anti Sieze which is excellent for this purpose.

Don't use grease or oil of any sort. It sets rock hard and is virtually impossible to remove the plugs.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

Wow, several slightly differing opinions. I think that I'll try contacting a couple of manufacturers and see what they say. Depending on that, the graphite and the Loctite nickel compound sound like good ways to go. As always, thanks for your replies. Joe
Joe Ullman

Joe ,
Would you post here you findings from the spark plug companies?
I think it owuld be something people here are interested in.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

Hi Pete,
Yes, I'll do that. It's on my agenda to look them up and query a few companies when I get the chance. I've been unbelievably busy since 'retirement'. Anyway, I happened to be on the Eastwood tech link yesterday, clicked on 'sparkplugs', and they suggested 'use antiseize to prevent galling' but nothing more specific. Joe


Joe Ullman

I've used copper based grease on spark plug threads for over 20 years in alloy heads without any problems, both in the Rover V8 and VW's, never had any problems removing them.
M Barnfather

Michael ,
Yep I agree totally on the alloy head and steel plug combination requiring anti seize.

Add thousands of volts several hundred times per second and welcome to electrolysis city !

Pete.
Peter Thomas

Many moons ago I was working on Roll-Royce Merlin V-12 liquid cooled aviation engines.At that time the company was Trans Canada Airlines Now Air Canada. We used a product that was called (Colodial copper in suspension)on all 24 plugs per engine and there were four of them big beasties on the airplane.
Sandy
Sandy Sanders

You can be cautious and use Permatex Nickel Anti-Seize, usually used on exhaust bits, but I have used the regular product that is listed as having a mix of copper, aluminum and graphite for years on the race cars, with both Twincam and HRG alloy heads without any sign of a problem even after prolonged storage.

It is interesting to note that although described as having copper in it, if you go to the website and examine the technical data, it shows only aluminum and graphite - maybe that's why I've never had a problem?

I also use it on the Fiero, as the front bank on the transverse V-6 gets some water on it and even a steel to cast iron interface can get pretty hard to break when you pull plugs.

I would not personally rely on any supposed treatment applied by the manufacturer to the plugs. Next thing you'd be believing what they claim for their fuel. oil, and magic additives...
Bill Spohn

Well, I tried getting an answer from several manufacturers. Evidently, in the US at least, there's a liability issue associated with this type of question/answer. That's directly stated on the Autolite website. Champion never answered my email, and with Bosch and Autolite, you can only contact them by phone. I opted not to do that, as I didn't want an answer given by someone 'on-the-fly', without them having time to consider their reply. Only NGK in the UK responded to my email. I guess they don't have the liability issue. Their answer was that they don't recommend the use of any type of antiseize, but stress the importance of installing the plugs to the proper torque.
I'm gonna go ahead and use the Permatex silverish antiseize that I have on hand; I think it's better to do so, than not. Best to all, Joe
Joe Ullman

Joe,
Your response agrees with the Ford Motorsport recommendation for aluminum heads of putting a drop of oil on the plug threads before torqing to the correct spec. No reference to using antisieze.
Graham Creswick

Joe,
Thanks for posting the responses you were given although perhaps NOT given is a better way to phrase it !

It is astounding these days for a company not to give a reply to an email. Can they really afford to just completely ignore their customers like that?

The comment by Graham about using the oil is the first time I have ever heard oil suggested to be used.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

This thread was discussed between 07/06/2007 and 16/06/2007

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