anit seize on spark plug threads?

MalcolmV8

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Jun 19, 2013
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I've been browsing the forums in general and found comments about automotive anti seize been commonly called "ever seize" on boats due to the moisture. Does this apply to spark plug threads too? I'm not sure if the 4.3 V6 motor has aluminum heads or not. I could grab a magnet and check but haven't gotten that far.

I did pull out 3 of the 6 plugs and they were in there really tight. Threads rusty looking. I had to slowly work the threads back and forth as to not strip them and completely tear them up. Once I got the plugs out they look extremely worn. I'm thinking the prior owner had not replaced them for years.

Thanks for any tips or advice.
 

Alumarine

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Re: anit seize on spark plug threads?

I've used anti-sieze on most threaded things for 35 years and have never been sorry I did.
 

MalcolmV8

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Re: anit seize on spark plug threads?

Humm so that's nonsense about anit-seize and moisture?
 

Bondo

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Re: anit seize on spark plug threads?

Humm so that's nonsense about anit-seize and moisture?

Ayuh,.... Don always called it Ever-sieze, 'n said it's the saltwater that does it in,...

Don has over the years convinced Me to use Merc's Perfect Seal, or Form-a-gasket #3, which is pretty much the same stuff,....

Btw,.... The AC Delco, MR43T, or the MR43TLS are Alloy bodied plugs, which don't rust,...
The 43T's are for pre-'96 motors, 'n the others post-'96,...

'n, yer heads, like the block are cast Iron,...
 

MalcolmV8

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Re: anit seize on spark plug threads?

Ah it must have been Don's posts I'd browsed over at some point. The plugs in there were the correct AC MR43T. I don't think they were the TLS but I don't have them in front of me right now.
If the plugs are alloy bodied then the rust must have been from the threads on the head itself which must be cast iron in that case which you agree with. Thanks guys. I will use a small amount of anti-seize on the plug threads. I'm in the midwest in fresh water lakes, no where near salt water.
 

Bayou Dave

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Dec 13, 2012
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Re: anit seize on spark plug threads?

I use the AC MR43T and read that anti seize is not recommended because they are nickel plated. Can't remember where I read that.
 

slothman

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Re: anit seize on spark plug threads?

you can use anti-seize on the plugs but use just a LITTLE dab on them. If you glob it on there, the plugs have a chance of backing out, or even worse- blowing out of the engine. Ultimately you don't NEED anti-seize on the plugs. Thread in hand tight first, then just torque them to spec.
 

joelybob

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Jun 30, 2012
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Re: anit seize on spark plug threads?

I would hate to use anything on the threads that would build up. its good practice to put in new plugs every year. That and when you winterize the motor that would be another time that the plugs would be removed they shouldn't be stuck after a couple of removes a year. now that you own the motor.:)
 

MalcolmV8

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Jun 19, 2013
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Re: anit seize on spark plug threads?

All good info there. Thanks guys. I think I will put them back in with nothing. As stated above I'll be replacing them once a year so they really shouldn't get seized up again.
 
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