Anti-seize compound or not? HELP!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: Layton Utah
Anti-seize compound or not? HELP!
I just finished the install of my LT SuperMaxx headers. In the process of pushing the drivers side up from the bottom, I pulled out the wires from my oil temp sensor. While down at the dealer to buy a new connector with pig tail ($30) the mechanic told me to be sure and put high temp anti-seize on the O2 sensors and the spark plugs. I only used anti-seize on the header bolts that screw into the head. That is the only place the instructions stated to use anti-seize.
Do I need to go back and use the anti-seize on both the O2 sensors and plugs? I'm not sure that I can get the O2 sensor (pre-cat) on the passenger side without dropping or losening the header bolts or possibly taking them right out. What do the experts here on the forum say??
Do I need to go back and use the anti-seize on both the O2 sensors and plugs? I'm not sure that I can get the O2 sensor (pre-cat) on the passenger side without dropping or losening the header bolts or possibly taking them right out. What do the experts here on the forum say??
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I have used anti-seize compound on sparkplug threads for many years, especially after I bought a ZZ3 crate engine (aluminum heads) for my 68. Even though I have read posts saying that you should never apply antiseize to sparkplugs, I still believe that as long as you reduce the torque to the plugs, a little bit of antiseize can do only good. Seized plugs are a potentially expensive problem to have.
As far as the oil temp sensor, if it is convenient, do it. If not, wait until the next time you have the opportunity.
As far as the oil temp sensor, if it is convenient, do it. If not, wait until the next time you have the opportunity.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 2
From: Suffolk, Long Island NY
Originally Posted by Dope
I would, if you ever plan on needing to get the O2s or the spark plugs out again. Oddly enough, I didn't use antiseize on the header bolts.
Dope
Dope
But... IIRC, I remember reading recently that GM recommends a drop of motor oil on the spark plug threads instead of anti-sieze.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: Layton Utah
Thanks for all the advice. It looks like I should have put anti-seize on the plugs and probably the O2 sensors. I'ts too bad that the Dynatech instructions don't mention putting it on anything but the header bolts. I guess that I'll start it up, check for leaks etc, make sure that I'm not throwing any codes, and then if all is well, remove the plugs and O2 sensors and put anti-sieze on them sometime this winter. I can't drive it anyway, what the heck! I think I will call Dynatech and ask them to update their instructions to save someone else the same hassle.
THANKS AGAIN to the forum members for your timely advice!!!
THANKS AGAIN to the forum members for your timely advice!!!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,404
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From: Lino Lakes, MN _________________________ I Figured out how to do this!
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06
Originally Posted by drcoffee
I always use antisieze. It took 3 days of an impact wrench and liquid wrench to get one of the spark plugs out of my explorer. Dis-similar metals react, corrode and antisieze keeps them apart.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Make sure the anti-seize is O2 sensor compatible, some aren't. The service manual is very specific about using anti-seize on the O2 sensors. I also put it on the plugs and torque to a slightly lower value to account for the lubrication.
