Should I use certain spark plug grease when changing spark plugs?

[CivicFK2TypeR]

Should I use certain spark plug grease when changing spark plugs? Or is it better to install without these spark plugs?

 

[dubber09]

Please no.

 

[redhat]

Just a little bit of silicone paste/Sil-Glyde or even Permatex dielectric grease. For this use all three will be fine. Just a little bit in the rubber of the boot/coil boot where it'll touch the porcelain. A small wipe with some on a Q-tip essentially so they don't stick to the plugs so bad. You don't really need it to prevent "corrosion" and it doesn't enhance any sort of connection.

The threads of the spark plug do not need any sort of lube. You could in theory take a "drip" of motor oil and "touch" the threads. But even then, that isn't needed.

Any grease on the plug threads will skew a torque value if you're using a torque wrench

 

[wwillson]

My friend Bill says never put anything on spark plugs if you want them to come out next time without damaging the threads or worse.

 

[dubber09]

Not on threads but if you mean dielectric grease then just apply some where ceramic meets metal, there is usually a brown ring in that area on old plugs.

 

[AutoMechanic]

On the threads use just a dab of anti seize. For the coil boots a little dielectric grease in the ends.

 

[vavavroom]

I don't put anything on the threads because the spark plug threads have anti- galling plating from the factory. Soark plug and coil boots get a little dielectric grease for easier slip on/pull off.

 

[Warstud]

I think most Spark Plugs already have Antisieze from the factory on the threads . Dielectric grease goes on the rubber boot to prevent it from sticking to the plug .

 

[zrxkawboy]

On the threads use just a dab of anti seize. For the coil boots a little dielectric grease in the ends.

^^^This has worked well for me for 30+ years.

 

[StumblingElk]

Most modern plug manufacturers, like NGK, advise against using anything on the threads. Like anti sieze.

These plugs have a coating on them already.

Aside from that, a little silicone grease on the inside of the boot at the very end can help plug wires come off more easily in the future. But it isn't generally needed.


"Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental. "

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...MQFnoECA4QBQ&usg=AOvVaw2ZxUn5Ka8QJJhBQDvYu3q8

 

[billt460]

On the threads use just a dab of anti seize. For the coil boots a little dielectric grease in the ends.

This ^^^^^^^^^

Anti seize on the threads, and dielectric grease inside the rubber boots.

 

[SHOZ]

I don't use anti seize but generally pull the plugs at 50k miles just for a look see. Replace around 75k miles. I lightly smear the silicone on the plug porcelain.

 

[Lubener]

Should I use certain spark plug grease when changing spark plugs? Or is it better to install without these spark plugs?

Use dielectric grease which is a silicone grease on the boots and I would not use antiseize on the threads. Anti seize has caused problems with plug blow out on some Ford 4.6, 2V engines.

 

[CivicFK2TypeR]

I will simply unscrew the old ones and screw in the new spark plugs without any addition of lubricants or greases. Thank you for your help.

 

[nthach]

Anti-seize if called for, Honda does. Else, I like to use a dab of Dow 111 on the plug boots.

 

[JHZR2]

This is a conundrum. For example, Honda talks about using it, while their OE plug manufacturer says not to.

It seems that the coatings that are used by entities like NGK, are single use only. In other words, you torque it down, heat cycle it, then remove the plug, and the coating is no longer there for the next use. It was “consumed”.

So at minimum, after a first removal, it seems that an anti-seize should be used.

For the boots, a light coating at the tight opening section may help with future release.

 

[Blueshound]

Should I use certain spark plug grease when changing spark plugs? Or is it better to install without these spark plugs?

There is no consensus on BITOG on this issue. Lots of anecdotal evidence. IMO it doesn't really matter much. Do whatever lets you sleep at night.

 

[Bullet]

I'm almost 60 and started changing plugs at about 13 or so. In the hundreds I've changed I've never used anything on the threads or boots.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I'm almost 60 and started changing plugs at about 13 or so. In the hundreds I've changed I've never used anything on the threads or boots.

But in those years you probably never ran spark plugs in an aluminum head for 100,000 miles as is absolutely routine with Iridium plugs

 

[billt460]

But in those years you probably never ran spark plugs in an aluminum head for 100,000 miles as is absolutely routine with Iridium plugs

Bingo! This is what a lot of people don't realize. Years ago cylinder heads were all cast iron, and you were lucky if you got 12,000 miles out of a set of plugs.

Today many engines have Aluminum heads, and the thread length of many of the spark plugs they use is much greater than it was, "back in the day".

Some of these newer engines utilize spark plugs that have over an inch of thread or more. That, along with leaving them in the Aluminum heads for 100,000 miles or more, and it's asking for trouble without using at least some type of anti seize lubricant on the threads.