Anti-seize

[ribbert]

Interesting response to my anti-seize suggestion on the spark plugs.  While I'm not suggesting anyone here go against the general feedback, I have used it literally on 1000's of plugs, many of these vehicles in my long term care ( including many air cooled motors) In the case of my own FJ I pulled the plugs at 20,000 k's after many overheating episodes including one that felt like my engine was about to melt and resulted in killing it, requiring a rebore and pistons on a low mileage motor.  The plugs, once cracked, spun out with my fingers and the anti-seize still wet. On another of my engines I have removed them after 40,000k's, same deal.  The stuff I use is rated for 2500F in soft metals such as alloy. I have never had a problem. I have however removed many dry plugs WITH threads attached over the years.
As I said, I'm not trying to change anyones mind if the general experience has been bad, but wanted to explain that my suggestion was based on 40 years experience and not just some tip I heard 3rd hand that sounded like a good idea.
Noel

[candieandy]

You dont need to use anti-seize on spark plugs that are plated. here is the link to NGK's website with a bulletin on why not to use anti-seize

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/DYK_5Points.pdf

[DailyDriver]

Umm...I guess I missed that thread. I've used anti-seize on my plugs from day one, on all my bikes, cars, and the truck. If there was a problem you'd think I would have had one by now. (Thirty or so years) 

[ribbert]

Umm...I guess I missed that thread. I've used anti-seize on my plugs from day one, on all my bikes, cars, and the truck. If there was a problem you'd think I would have had one by now. (Thirty or so years) 

Glad at least one other person out there shares my views on anti-seize.  Only last week again I removed some plugs that had been put in dry and required a ratchet handle right down to the last few turns. Excuse me if I'm a bit cynical about accepting manufacturers claims of "coatings" and "release agents" at face value. To me, the proof is in the workshop. I read the NGK link that someone posted in reply and it said anti-seize was not required, not, do not use, because of their special coating, that would suggest that plugs without it do need anti-seize. I am always keen on improvements and new technology but in this case yet to see the proof and there's no downside to using it. I guess there's anti-seize and there's anti seize. And yes, you do need to take care not to over tighten them if the threads are lubricated.
Noel

[candieandy]

I always used anti-seize too for years, but after being educated in the new technology have stopped using it on spark plug threads.

[RichBaker]

Umm...I guess I missed that thread. I've used anti-seize on my plugs from day one, on all my bikes, cars, and the truck. If there was a problem you'd think I would have had one by now. (Thirty or so years) 

Different manufacturers have different recommendations.... NGK puts a special plating on theirs and doesn't recommend AS due to it being easier to over-torque the plugs.  Champion actually recommends, and sells, an AS for their plugs...........

Champion anti-seize