davido@tekid.UUCP (David Olson) (08/19/83)
In-Real-Life: David H. Olson @ Tektronix, Instrument Division ---------- I've just had the experience of having to pull the aluminum head on my Fiat 128 to remove a frozen (welded?) spark plug. The plug body twisted off just fine when I used a breaker bar, but even heating the head with a propane torch and using a large pipe wrench on an E-Z-out had no effect. It was finally necessary to bring it to a machine shop and have them remove the plug remains and install a Helicoil. It was suggested that anti-seize compound be used when installing the new plugs however I am concerned about decreasing electrical conductivity. (128s are known for having weak ignition systems which leads to hard starting, so I want to do everything I can to keep the ignition system happy.) I measured the resistance of the anti-seize compound I have and it is definitely non- conductive ( > 100Mohms ). Does the electrical contact provided by the compression washer on the plug provide ample conductivity or is there anti-seize compound specifically designed for spark plugs?
jeff@tesla.UUCP (Jeff Frey) (08/20/83)
Well, I would think having to pull a head and tap in a Helicoil wasn`t worth worrying about "conductivity" for. Every light-alloy head manufacturer recommends both using anti-seize compound and a torque wrench. BOTH are necessary. For the last twenty years or so I`ve used the anti-seize compound sold by Ungar for use when screwing new tips into their soldering irons. It comes either in little cans or tubes and is in fact called anti-seize; electronics supply shops should have it. Don`t forget the torque wrench. JF
wookie@alice.UUCP (08/22/83)
you should have no trouble with the conductivity of the anti-asieze compound. I am not aware of any made specifically for plugs. I am surprised at the resistance you noted as the compound I use has a large lead content. (Lead lubrictaesates the threads). Keith Bauer White Tiger Racing