Dielectric or Heat Sink Compound...????
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
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From: Lake Mary Florida
Dielectric or Heat Sink Compound...????
What is the proper material to apply to the Ignition Coil/Ignition Coil Module plate when you bolt it up to the engine?
I've heard heat sink compound but a new ignition control module comes with dielectric to be applied. Which is correct?
I've heard heat sink compound but a new ignition control module comes with dielectric to be applied. Which is correct?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I would guess the Di-electric would be for the electrical plugs.The heat sink paste is not like the stuff at radio shack either it has to be the right stuff for the application.It is strange it did not come with it.I have read enough horror stories about not using it or using the wrong stuff to wamt to get it right myself.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Lake Mary Florida
I'm sorry for seeming so dense but why would GM include "AC Delco Silicone Grease.. containing Polysiloxane and Silica 1" and the Helms service manual say on both installing the mounting plate for the coil assembly and the ignition coil module to use silicone grease.
Is dielectric grease (polydimethylsiloxane and amorphous silica) the same as silicone grease supplied with the module or a new mounting plate?
Oh one other thing is in the service manual it has a picture of apply the grease to the module and it is titled "Dielectric Grease Application."
Is dielectric grease (polydimethylsiloxane and amorphous silica) the same as silicone grease supplied with the module or a new mounting plate?
Oh one other thing is in the service manual it has a picture of apply the grease to the module and it is titled "Dielectric Grease Application."
Last edited by 93JetJocky; Aug 17, 2005 at 07:07 PM.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 541
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From: Kalama WA
That's a good question- But from what I've understood in the past, a Dielectirc grease is used for its insulation properties- not heat transfer. Thermal compounds are used for heat transfer and are thermally conductive and sometimes even electrically conductive. If the application requires heat transfer- use thermal paste. There are many types of paste- look for ones with proper applications and you will be fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by 93JetJocky
I'm sorry for seeming so dense but why would GM include "AC Delco Silicone Grease.. containing Polysiloxane and Silica 1" and the Helms service manual say on both installing the mounting plate for the coil assembly and the ignition coil module to use silicone grease.
Is dielectric grease (polydimethylsiloxane and amorphous silica) the same as silicone grease supplied with the module or a new mounting plate?
Oh one other thing is in the service manual it has a picture of apply the grease to the module and it is titled "Dielectric Grease Application."
Is dielectric grease (polydimethylsiloxane and amorphous silica) the same as silicone grease supplied with the module or a new mounting plate?
Oh one other thing is in the service manual it has a picture of apply the grease to the module and it is titled "Dielectric Grease Application."
to see what they use.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Well since I didn't have enough heat sink compound left, I used dielectric grease. When I was at NAPA today, having two ignition control modules checked, I asked about heat sink grease. They had never heard of using that, they always use and recommend dielectric.
I guess this debate will go on, I perplexed that GM would provide dielectric grease with the module and state that in the manual and have an illustration showing how to apply it with a figure title that says dielectric grease application.
I'm so confused.
I guess this debate will go on, I perplexed that GM would provide dielectric grease with the module and state that in the manual and have an illustration showing how to apply it with a figure title that says dielectric grease application.
I'm so confused.
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