Changing Spark Plugs and Lubrication

[willbur]

I fail to understand what the big deal is with using AZ on plugs. Just apply a little to the threads and tighten a certain amt of turn, as ksachen said. Get the best result- plugs torqued correctly and easy to remove. Geez

Regarding dry or lubed threads, I remember learning torque specs were specified assuming light oil on the threads. Permatex states on their web site (last time I checked) and on the AZ container to apply their AZ and torque to the normal value, no reduction. YMMV

 

[Snagglefoot]

I guess it boils down to this. You are applying left hand torque and the darn thing is not budging. You swear that the “ no lube “ guys are full of it. You put the quarter inch drive away and bring out the 3/8 inch ratchet You pucker up and give it the mighty tug. It cracks loose with a loud squeal. You’re hoping the threads are still there.

And yes, everything is just fine. If you put Iridium plugs back in, this will probably be the last set of plugs in the vehicle you’ll ever change.

 

[Astro14]

I guess it boils down to this. You are applying left hand torque and the darn thing is not budging. You swear that the “ no lube “ guys are full of it. You put the quarter inch drive away and bring out the 3/8 inch ratchet You pucker up and give it the mighty tug. It cracks loose with a loud squeal. You’re hoping the threads are still there.

And yes, everything is just fine. If you put Iridium plugs back in, this will probably be the last set of plugs in the vehicle you’ll ever change.

I’ve had the exact same experience - feels like way too much torque to break loose, and coming out, they we’re so stiff, I thought the threads were coming with them!

Because the last guy had globbed a bunch of Anti Seize all over the threads.

Too much is worse than none.

 

[KrisZ]

Too much is worse than none.

Which is most likely the main reason spark plug manufacturers do not recommend antiseize. They have no control over the application process and quantity used. Why bother with such headache and liability?

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Again with the anti seize. Long reach Japanese plugs? NO! A light smear of silicone dielectric paste in the coil boot? Yes.
Hyper cleanliness is important with ignition as the spark will want to travel down the OUTSIDE of the insulator and ground to the plug nut. NO dirty fingers or dirty rubber inserts on the spark plug socket.

I though the BMW used Bosch Ir? I bought a set for my old Subaru as the subaru ruthenium are hyper expensive. Sold the car, never used them. They looked pretty- better than any Bosch product I've touched in the past 30 years,

 

[DGXR]

I always use anti-seize on spark plug threads but VERY sparingly -- a little goes a long way.
Yes silicone grease on the plug boot to keep it from bonding to the ceramic, again sparingly.

 

[hardcore302]

Hey what about the coil boot?