I was wanting to install new NGK spark plugs in my 2006 c6,and was wondering how many people have done this and had a service charging system error pop up because of it. Also should anti seize be used on these plugs?

 

Yes and yes.

 

Just did this last weekend, no problems no lights driven 200 miles. Used TR6 plugs for cooler temps with the maggie. YES on the anti-seize and I would also greese the plugs too (not with anti-seize).

 

EDIT: I posted this from work and most of my notes are at the house. So, I added information from Champion and a few additional comments from the other plug manufacturers.

I doubt you could ask a more loaded question (Oh yeah, which oil should I use).

This is not an easy question to answer according to spark plug companies. Modern plugs for engines with aluminum heads have rolled threads with plating (and sometimes dry films to prevent corrosion). Many people replace the plugs at 50,000 miles rather than leave them to 100,000 miles to help prevent seizing. If you do use anti-seize, I would install the plugs with a torque angle gauge as per the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent them being over-torqued.

Most people on the Forum use anti-seize.

NGK recommends:
"Do not use anti-seize. Anti-seize reduces electrical and thermal conductivity between the spark plug and head; and increases the installed torque which can damage head threads. The spark plug holes must always be cleaned prior to installation, or you may be torquing against dirt or debris and the spark plug may actually end up under-torqued (dry threads), even though your torque wrench says otherwise.

All NGK Spark Plugs are manufactured with special shell plating on the metal body. The use of anti-seize on spark plugs is only recommended on those brands that do not offer a special metal shell plating. Install spark plugs with a compression gasket finger tight until seated and then turn 1/2 to 2/3 turns. Install spark plugs without a compression gasket (taper) finger tight until seated and then turn 1/16 turns."

Champion recommends:
"Champion recommends that you do not use an anti-seize compound, since one has already been applied to the plugs at the factory. Next, install the spark plugs finger tight and, if using a taper seat spark plug, use a ratchet to rotate 1/16 of a turn. If using a gasket seat type spark plug, after installing finger tight, turn 1/4 to 5/8 of a turn. If this procedure is followed, spark plugs will not back out nor will they seize in the cylinder head."

Autolite recommends:
"We do not recommend anti-seize. Install 14mm plugs in aluminum cylinder head at 20-30 Nm (15 - 22 foot pounds) with CLEAN and DRY threads. We do not recommend the use of any anti-seize products for installing spark plugs. Anti-seize compounds are typically composed of metallic, electrically conductive ingredients. If anti-seize compounds come in contact with the core nose of the plugs, it can lead to a misfire condition.

Anti-seize on the threads of your spark plugs will slow down the rate of heat transfer from the plug to the head. The worst place to use it is on the tapered seat, which is where the most heat transfer occurs between the spark plug and the cylinder head. Even just a small amount of anti-seize is the equivalent of using a hotter heat range spark plug.

Anti seize compounds can also have a torque multiplying effect when installing plugs. This can lead to thread distortion and thread galling resulting in cylinder head damage. Autolite spark plugs are nickel plated to resist the effects of corrosion and seizing."

Denso recommends:
"Do not use anti-seize. Installation Key Points: (1) The threaded area of the cylinder head must be clean. (2) Using your fingers, screw the spark plug into the cylinder head, and tighten about 1/4-1/2 turn with a plug wrench. (Taper seat plug: about 1/16 turn). (3) Tightening too much may cause distortion of the plug housing, and in extreme cases could cause engine damage. Therefore, proper installation of the spark plug is important for life and performance of the spark plug. (4) The installation procedures shown above apply to new spark plugs without lubricating the threads.

When using a torque wrench, install 14 mm spark plugs in an aluminum cylinder head at 20-30 Nm (14.8 - 22.1 foot pounds) with DRY threads."

Bosch recommends:
"Do not use anti-seize. Bosch small engine spark plugs are constructed with a nickel chromium ground electrode for consistent performance and prolonged service life; Nickel-plated rolled threads offer complete anti-seize and corrosion protection. Built to withstand extreme operating temperatures and give more power, Bosch Super Start is ideal for all small engine applications."

EDIT:

It is best to install a plug by seating it finger tight and turning as specified by the manufacturer. This will provide the correct torque whether the spark plug threads are dry or treated with anti-seize. Engine oil or grease used to lubricate a spark plug thread can carbonize.


Sometimes a plug will appear to be seized by corrosion when the lower threads have carbon deposits (especially if a thread protrudes into the combustion chamber). The plug can usually be removed without damage if you un-tighten it 1/8 to 1/4 turn and treat the threads with a mixture of 1/2 acetone and 1/2 power steering fluid (or other penetrating oil/fluid and/or carburetor cleaner). With luck, the mixture will be wicked into the threads and help soften the carbon. Let the plug sit over night and try again (working it back and forth, and if needed treat it again).

 

Thats some in depth research!

 

NGK TR5s here and yes I experienced the service charging system message. Went with AC delco Iridium instead.

 

Freaking awesome info.

I use NGK tr6 cause my compression is bumped and I need a cooler plug. I eat the suckers alive though about 4k a set. I need to find another brand probably.

 

i went with the TR5 Iridium plugs. set the gap at .040, did not use any anti seize and have had no problems with service charging lights or any other problem for that matter.

check the gaps on whatever plug you decide on as they will not be set correctly from the factory no matter what they tell you.. (IMO)

dal

 

tr55! no charging erro,r and no anti seize, its not needed. have been using them for years been changed 8 times

 

Use TR6's in my Vortech(522/448) equipped car. Most FI C6's use the TR6. Its been run quite hard for over 6 mos. and just recently swapped em out. Why do you think you're going through them so quick?

 

Im not exactly sure. My mix may be a little too rich and I also may be spending a little too much time in the low rpm range.

 

I use NGK TR6's and never had a code problem. It is NOT necessary to use anti-sieze on NGK's manufactured for use on Aluminum heads.

 

If the service charging system message comes up,how do you get rid of it?

 

I agree with the no anti-seize especially on the NGK's. Here is some info from a Sept. 2007 NGK Technical bulletin No. NGKSP-0907-1:
Topic
The use of anti-seize compounds on spark plug threads that have a “special shell
plating” (i.e. Trivalent coating).

Issue
Applying anti-seize to the threads of spark plugs that have a special metal plating
thus allowing the installer to mistakenly over-torque the spark plug in the cylinder
head. Over-torque stretches the metal between the last thread and the seal
between the cylinder head and spark plug, causing a much higher probability that
the spark plug will either break during installation or upon removal.

Solution
For spark plugs with special metal plating; anti-seize is not recommended during
installation.

Additional Information
It is recommended to use spark plugs with the special plating on all aluminum
cylinder head applications to prevent damage to the cylinder head. All NGK
Spark Plugs are manufactured with special shell plating on the metal body.

The use of anti-seize on spark plugs is only recommended on those brands that
do not offer a special metal shell plating. Spark plugs that have a shiny silver
appearance on the metal body usually indicate that the spark plug is
manufactured with special metal shell plating. When installing spark plugs
without special metal plating (with anti-seize), install based on vehicle
manufacturer’s torque angle.

 

On my car, it comes up only when I am stopped and only for about 1 second then it is gone.

Now it is coming on more often. It used to come once a month or so but now it is coming on once every time I drive it. I am wondering if it is time to change out the battery since my car is 42 month old and on the same battery.

 

If you HAVE used anti-sieze during installation of NGK's, and you're throwing a code, remove the plugs and remove the anti-sieze and reinstall the plugs. I also use MSD 8.5 mm Superconductor wires which, although not necessary, provides more heat protection and better current flow.

 

What is throwing the code ,the antiseize or the NGK spark plugs.? I have not installed these plugs yet,I just did not want to run into this problem that I have read about.

 

Same for me, went to AC Delco Iridium and the DIC message never came back.

 

I am not a mechanic but I cannot see how changing a spark plug brand would throw a code out. Are the spark plugs that different?

 

Thanks, Spin. Been collecting this for a while.