Re: anti-sieze on spark plug threads?

There are two kinds of anti-sieze compounds:

There are a great deal more than two kinds of anti-seize compounds. A quick look at the offerings over at MSC shows eight. I'm sure there are more than that, but there are at least eight that can be obtained easily (i.e. can be ordered from MSC/McMaster-Carr or something similar).

There is the grey, which is a glass based compound and has dilectric > qualities.

I've never seen nor heard of a glass based anti-seize compound before. Even the gray Permatex anti-seize to which you refer in another post is not described as such. Permatex says it's a "highly refined blend of aluminum, copper and graphite lubricants" on their web pages:

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As such I wouldn't think it has much in the way of dielectric properties. In fact given the conductivity of the three named constituents, I'd bet it's quite the opposite.

Also, there is the copper based anti-sieze compound, for plugs and > oxygen sensors. It's difficult to find, but I stocked up on a case of it. > That you can glob on. But, I am still careful and use just a dab and work > it into the threads.

The copper kind is actually more common than you think, Permatex makes one and I've had no trouble locating it at any of a wide variety of chain automotive stores. It can also be purchased from any decent industrial supply as well, no need to hoarde the stuff. I wouldn't think globbing it on would be acceptable... it'd also be conductive, so you'd want to keep it away from the tip of the plug. Best to just use it sparingly and carefully on the threads.

They both contain a high temprature grease, and grease acts as a > dilectric.

But they also use metal as an anti-seize and anti-galling agent, which conducts electricity and would likely negate any insulative effects of the grease. A Teflon-based anti-seize, on the other hand, would probably do a much better job as a dielectric.

The one thing I'm surprised nobody has mentioned yet is a graphite based anti-seize made specifically for use on spark plugs like the one marketed by Champion, like this:

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A little bottle of the stuff lasts a long time, and it's actually designed for this purpose. It's not standard fare for auto supply stores, but it's readily available via mail order if nothing else. If the vehicle in question is seriously important to you, then using the product specifically engineered for the purpose would be the best way to go.

Reply to
The Hurdy Gurdy Man
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I found the copper:

Made specifically for plugs and oxygen sensors, when no one had it. I bought it, now Advanced sells it.

But if you read one of the earlier posts, there was a GM tech bulletin stating to stay away from: "Glass based" anti-sieze lubricants. There are also molybendendum anti-sieze lubricants. Did you know that?

Also to prevent gaulling, which happens when removing a siezed component.

Refinish King

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Reply to
Refinish King

I don't doubt that a glass based one exists, it's just that I've never seen one before or know of anyone who has heard of such a thing. I'd buy some if I knew where to get it, as I'd be interested in having some on hand for projects that could make use of it. I would believe such warnings for an anti-seize that is truly glass based... I'm sure that would be a much more effective insulator than one using a powdered metal known to be a good conductor (e.g. aluminum or copper). I was just trying to point out that the Permatex product you had mentioned was not, at least according to the manufacturer's web site, a glass based product.

I did, they have that for sale over at MSC as well. They have a lot of odd ones... stainless steel, nickel, zinc, etc. Molybdenum disulfide does get used in semiconductors, and so I'm guessing it wouldn't be such a problem in an environment where electrical conductivity is an issue. Still, I like the Champion graphite anti-seize compound for this purpose. Clean, easy to use, and designed for the application. I'm within driving distance of a place that sells it and so I figure I'll continue with it until I find a compelling reason to do otherwise.

Reply to
The Hurdy Gurdy Man

I appreciate the info on the Champion brand!

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Refinish King

Reply to
Refinish King

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