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So I have so far changed all of my spark plugs except one, it goes about 3/4 of the way in then tightens and won't go in anymore. I took a bunch of photos some may be useful some may not be but I am at a loss on what to do except moving my head job up sooner and shipping them to Lloyd Eliot. Any tips will be helpfull
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i may just be me but...those threads do not look like the cleanest in the world. and this shot makes me thing the plug is cross threaded in the head.
maybe i just need a new pair of glasses.
The Spark Plug Thread Chaser is the first thing to do, a little grease never hurts.
When installing Steel Spark Plugs into any aluminum head it NEEDS Anti seize. Itis not an option but a "Must do" on every Spark Plug going into an Aluminum head.
Champion Spark Plugs makes a thinner Graphite based Anti-Seize designed for use on Spark plugs. I bought an 4 ounce bottle which will last me a lifetime. The regular Anti-Seize is so thick that it can get in the way and make a big mess. I would use it if I didn't have the special Champion Spark Plug Anti-Seize. The Champion Anti-seize is available from Amazon for $20 for 4 ounces, even that much will go real far
ONE Important tip.. NEVER use anything with "Copper" in it on your aluminum heads. Copper will eat away your aluminum very quickly, I say this because there are anti-seize compounds made with Copper, don't use them on anything aluminum.
I got it in, I used a thread chaser and after running it in and out about 30 times the spark plug went in easier than some of my others. I did use anti-seize however it was copper so I immediately did some research and other than ctmccloskey couldn't find anybody saying not to use copper and many people saying TO use copper. Can anybody else back it up either way? I am getting some head work done by Lloyd Elliot this December so I may replace it with some non copper at the same time just in case.
To the guy who mentioned angeld plugs, I am not sure if that's what I did or not. I used the NKGs that everybody here seemed to recommend but either way they went in and car is running great!
I got it in, I used a thread chaser and after running it in and out about 30 times the spark plug went in easier than some of my others. I did use anti-seize however it was copper so I immediately did some research and other than ctmccloskey couldn't find anybody saying not to use copper and many people saying TO use copper. Can anybody else back it up either way? I am getting some head work done by Lloyd Elliot this December so I may replace it with some non copper at the same time just in case.
To the guy who mentioned angeld plugs, I am not sure if that's what I did or not. I used the NKGs that everybody here seemed to recommend but either way they went in and car is running great!
I was being humerous meaning you changed the angle of the spark plug to the head. Glad it worked out.
Going forward, try this little trick.
Use a short piece of rubber hose on the end of the plug and run them in by hand. It makes installation easier, and helps prevent cross threading.
Permatex recommends their copper anti-seize for spark plugs in aluminum heads. The thing about copper and aluminum is it is a problem if there is moisture present. I have used it for years and never had a problem.
As of October 3 2020 Ac plugs no anti , ngk no anti it goes on and on threads there is a factory coating so no seize needed. Go to Permatex web site and read the spark plug Manufactures specifications.
Going forward, try this little trick.
Use a short piece of rubber hose on the end of the plug and run them in by hand. It makes installation easier, and helps prevent cross threading.
I used a golf grip I had laying around. Worked great.
I got it in, I used a thread chaser and after running it in and out about 30 times the spark plug went in easier than some of my others. I did use anti-seize however it was copper so I immediately did some research and other than ctmccloskey couldn't find anybody saying not to use copper and many people saying TO use copper. Can anybody else back it up either way? I am getting some head work done by Lloyd Elliot this December so I may replace it with some non copper at the same time just in case.
To the guy who mentioned angeld plugs, I am not sure if that's what I did or not. I used the NKGs that everybody here seemed to recommend but either way they went in and car is running great!
Chris is 100% correct about not using using a copper based anti-seize with aluminum heads I imagine this advice comes from his knowledge of aircraft maintenance, but he is referring to a product like “Copper Coat” which is copper colored and normally used on stainless steel threads. The Permatex anti-seize is aluminum based and silver/grey in color, it does have copper in the blend but only in small quantities and is specifically designed for aluminum so it it will be fine.
Spark Plug Won't Go In
