ICM Installation
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 9
From: Dataw Island SC
ICM Installation
I'm going to replace the ICM on my 93 LT-1 and the instructions say to use thermal grease. Question: Will dielectric grease work, is it the same thing, or do I need to find actual thermal grease? If so, brand?
I looked through all the posts looking for an answer, no luck.
Thanks!
I looked through all the posts looking for an answer, no luck.
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,113
Likes: 1,994
From: St. Charles MO
Thermal grease is a different thing than dielectric grease. It is intended specifically to transfer heat efficiently to the sink. Dielectric grease is for electrical insulation: it is built to resist the conductance of electricity without regard to its conductance of heat. It may improve the transfer of heat, but thermal grease will be better at it. I was able to find some at Best Buy in their computer parts section.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 222
From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Thermal grease is a different thing than dielectric grease. It is intended specifically to transfer heat efficiently to the sink. Dielectric grease is for electrical insulation: it is built to resist the conductance of electricity without regard to its conductance of heat. It may improve the transfer of heat, but thermal grease will be better at it. I was able to find some at Best Buy in their computer parts section.
Use the right stuff.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,382
Likes: 6,526
From: Melbourne, FL
Auto zone sells the right stuff. Dielectric grease doesn't conduct heat. Heat sink paste typically doesn't hold up in the environment it will be in. You want automotive thermal paste. It's a 2 pack from auto zone for like 5 bucks. Lifetime warranty too, lol.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 9
From: Dataw Island SC
I applied the paste between the ICM and aluminum heat sink, the heat sink and the bracket, then added some washers to create a stand-off from the cylinder head. Hope that is enough, based on all the threads here concerning the ICM!
Good news, she runs! I will add some pics and info in a new thread soon.
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