What to use on plugs in aluminum heads?

[ace305]

any one know the correct answer? What does ford do?

 

[wmburns]

A small amount of Nickle based anti seize on the threads only (not on the seat). Perhaps almost as importantly to torque to the factory recommended value. Not too much. Not too little.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...201/2002/lincoln/town-car?q=nickle+based+anti

Copper based anti seize works well also. Again a small amount on the threads. Never on the seat. Torque to factory recommended spec.

As for what Ford does. Often the answer is nothing from the factory. Takes too much time.

 

[Neuron]

So that means Ford did not take into account anti-seize on the threads for the torque value, but dry threads instead. Its a low value so shouldn't matter much I guess, certainly does on higher torque values with dry, oiled and anti-seized threads. I usually only do the bottom half to 2/3 thirds because as you thread it in it travels up the plug threads if that makes sense.

 

[Mattstang04]

I just put them in dry and torque them to 13 lbs. Hasn't stripped a plug. Never had one fire out on me either.

 

[ace305]

ok thanks. I have the heads with the short threads. I am very very nervous. Why do they blow out?

 

[wmburns]

Why do they blow out?

• over torqued
• under torqued
• never checked after install and backed out (happened to me).
• Motor over heating.

Or just plain bad luck.

However you can really improve your odds by maintaining the correct torque with a small amount of anti-seize.

 

[ace305]

ok. I am just gonna torque correctly with nothing on it