<VV> Antiseize on plugs update

[Michael Kovacs]

I have always used anti seize on the spark plugs. After having several plugs 
pull out the head threads due to Previous Owners handiwork.  First Corvair in 
1961 and dozens of spark plug changes to many engines over the last decades, I 
have never had a frozen plug.

 I do use a torque wrench and just use the lower end of the recommended value. 
 MIKE KOVACS




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From: Grant Young <gyoungwolf at earthlink.net>

Subject: <VV> Antiseize on plugs update

Since I work on a few cars for friends now and then, I subscribe to the Motor 
trade journal. A recent editorial and responses and research on whether to use 
antiseize with spark plugs in aluminum heads got my attention, so I thought I 
would share. The crux of the writings is that most manufacturers don't mention 
it or say not to use it because all of the newer manufactured plugs now have a 
coating (nickel or zinc-chromate, for example) on their threads. There are a few 
new car manuals that suggest using only half recommended torque if any kind of 
antiseize or lubricant is used to avoid breaking a plug while installing or 
later removing. There is also information from plug manufacturers explaining 
that getting the material on the electrode can cause plug fouling and failure. 
NKG and Autolite (except for one specific long reach plug in a 3-valve Ford 
engine) say never use antiseize on their plugs. So, what I gleaned from the 
information that could pertain to Corvairs is that if
  you use an old (pre-80's?) plug that you can use anti-sieze if you reduce the 
torque value significantly, and that you should not use it if using a modern 
plug, and that checking the plug manufacturers' recommendation is very 
important, regardless.  

The Carbmeister
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