Changing plugs tonight.

I have always used antiseize on plugs, especially on aluminum aircooled engines(you will never get a plug out without antiseize). These heads have a full 6-8 threads in them not 4.

I have done the searches and found differing opinions.

Ford=no
Tuners=no
Many individuals=yes.

Okay one more time put in your vote and credentials.

 

My Vote is a solid maybe.....
Of course I have no credentials so....
Doug

 

I say no. It's a steel plug, in an aluminum head. There is no compatability of metal to fuse together. If a plug is frozen in these heads, it was installed wrong. Given the current problem of the plugs backing out, I wouldn't add anything to the threads that makes it easier for them to loosen up.

 

was just reading an older post here in prep for the 01 re-mod project.

Anti-seize was used on my 99 with no problems (lucky i guess) HOWEVER, NONE will be used on the 01.

credentials...... bloody knuckles

 

Sal is right,

If you get a stuck plug, it was installed wrong, very simple concept!!

 

Actually, there is a propensity for the plugs to fuse into the heads due to galvanic corrosion between dissimiliar metals, just add a little water. If you live anywhere there is salt it just increases the rate.

Despite my experience with Al heads and engines, I am leaning towards not using the antiseize due to the 4 thread loosing issue.

Any other opinions? Support?

Thanks

 

What about electrolysis? Is this a problem.

How about indexing the plugs ..but with lock washers ?

Maybe a device that slips over the plug and backs it up so it cannot back out. Not saying it would be simple..just a thought. SOmeone with a machine shop could punch out a piece that may work.......running to get My patent.

 

I use it (sparingly) with no problem. It will also help the plug to be properly torqued. Not much chance of galvanic corrosion between aluminum and steel especially with the zinc and yellow chromate on the plugs. The plating on the plugs is enough barrier to fend off the galvanic corrosion.

I feel you need the lubrication to prevent thread galling. Aluminum threads are very abrasive. Over time it is possible for the hard steel plug to wear away the abrasive aluminum threads.

The ultimate forever fix is to install Heli-Coil wire inserts. Not the solid inserts but the wire (spring type) inserts. They will be strong enough to twist the treads off the plug and not harm the threads in the head. There is also a variation called a "Screw-Lock" inserts that prevents vibrational loosening. My opinion is that every internal thread in aluminum should have a Heli-Coil installed. No exceptions. The next set of heads for my truck will have inserts in every thread. The down side is the heads must be removed for proper insert installation.

My disclaimer is that I have 13 years experience working for Heli-Coil. Ford is one of the very few auto makers not using inserts in their alum heads.

My .02

 

I use Never-Seize every day in my business. I am a Steamfitter working in an industrial environment, dealing with dissimilar metals. With that being said, if Sal says not to use Never-seize on the threads of the plugs, then I will not use it when I change my plugs

 

I just used a couple Heli coil's in my tranny housing (aluminum) when I switched to the deep pan and added Gregg's valve body. I got a little excited when putting the pan back on and over torqued a couple bolts. I used the spring type coils like Silver-Bolt mentioned. They worked great in the aluminum housing, and they are a piece of cake to install.

Now not even Beefcake can strip those bolts that I fixed

--Joe

 

I have always used it. I have a tube of copper-based, German anti-sieze that I got from a Porsche catalog a few years ago. I put it on the wheel studs, the 'back-side' of the wheels, and some of the brake parts. It's a very high-temp 'lube'.

I used it on the plugs in my Z281LE and my Saab 9000--and I use to change them frequently because of the driver's schools I ran them in. But, having said all that, Sal is like the Shadow and the shadow knows.........so I think(?) I'll leave it off when I change the plugs in my L........I think........oh jeez........this goes against all 'I use to know'???

Dan

 

Iam with you LightninRod, use neverseize when dealing with dissimilar metals, steel threads and aluminium heads. I can only think that the reason the "shadow" thinks not to use it, is because of the possibility of contaminant of the tipof the plug. But hey, Sal know more about these trucks and motors, than i will ever know

 

How about chasing the threads, clean em up a bit before installing the new plugs?

 

I'd be afraid to do that for several reasons. The thread-chaser I have is a pretty sharp, cutting tool. We only have 4 or 5 threads to chase and I might 'bung' the first one up with the cutter/chaser? Mine won't stay in the socket either(bad design?), so now it's banging around in s/plug 'well'......that scares me. Plus, the little amount of room and the slanted s/plug holes would make it 'chancey' too.

Dan

 

If you think about chasing threads all you are doing is removing material. This will weaken the threads and that removed material has to go somewhere. My guess is that it would drop right into the plug hole.