Spark plugs

[John V]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

Interesting observation. Did you use normal Anti-Seize or Hi-Temp Anti-Seize?

OEM Plugs are Resistor Plugs designed to reduce Radio Interference. A Normal Anti-Seize would tend to work as an Insulator while a Hi-Temp (with it's high metallic content) would work as a Conductor, either could interfere with this property of the Plugs...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

I cannot think of way that high-temp anti-seize between the plug's common terminal and the engine could interfere with the series resistance of the spark plugs. Can you please educate me?

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by John V

I cannot think of way that high-temp anti-seize between the plug's common terminal and the engine could interfere with the series resistance of the spark plugs. Can you please educate me?

Hi,

You're most probably right, but using a Hi-Temp AS w/ high metal content (usually Copper) can effectivelty increase the surface area of the Ground or Common terminal with the Head by making contact (via a brige through the AS) to the back side of the threads. Would this interfere? I don't know, but I am just postulating a possible cause to the Lister's observations. This is why I said that it could (possibly) interfere.

An Insulator (regular AS) probably would interfere with such a function. The Spark would still be OK due to the high voltage involved which would readily overcome any added resistance...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by conradtan

Hey Jim,
You seem like the kind of guy that believes that there is nothing better than stock. I like that. I don't practice that myself, but I like and respect that a lot. I actually listen to much of what you say before I go and do fool-hardy things to my car. Hehe... No seriously, I appreciate the advice. It keeps me from doing stupid things!

Hi,

Thanks for the kind words. But, I'm not actually against modding a car. I have done so many times.

But, for a Street Car, I think keeping it Stock has some advantages. Many Aftermarket Parts haven't been as rigorously tested as the OEM Components and may not offer as long a service life. Also, many Aftermarket components are universal, designed for a multitude of cars and not for one specific application. A lot of them are mainly Hype with gains not measurable or quantified. Then, often a replacement part is not available if the Supplier goes away, and if you needed to modify the car to include the Aftermarket part, you may not be able to reverse it to re-fit the OEM part later. It may make the car harder to sservice or diagnose.

So far as Anti-Seize, I use it when called for, but have found that it's not required in all applications. If you properly torque the plugs, and change them regularly, there should be no need for it.

For Spark Plugs, the differences between the various materials used are miniscule. Most Performance Spark Plugs using rare or exotic metals are universal and usually offer only a reputed longer Service Interval, but I'm not sure that's a good thing. They s/b changed regularly, or at least inspected, which amounts to the same thing. Also, there is no Temp Range Standard between Manufacturers, so you could get plugs that perform differently so far as Heat Management is concerned and this could be bad longterm to the motor.

But, the Head was designed with a specific Plug in mind with regard to thread length, Tip extension into the Combustion Chamber and Electrode orientation. This is one reason why you should always torque your Plugs - so they maintain the design depth and orientation (relative to Flame Front travel) as the engine was designed to optimize. If these Super Plugs were actually as good as their makers claim, why doesn't any Manufacturer captitalize on these gains and install them OEM in the first place? That's all why I recommend the OEM Plugs...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[John V]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

You're most probably right, but using a Hi-Temp AS w/ high metal content (usually Copper) can effectivelty increase the surface area of the Ground or Common terminal with the Head by making contact (via a brige through the AS) to the back side of the threads. Would this interfere? I don't know, but I am just postulating a possible cause to the Lister's observations. This is why I said that it could (possibly) interfere.

I'll go ahead and answer my own question since RF transmission and reception happens to be the area in which I make a living. Using a conductive anti-seize on the threads of a spark plug can in no way cause increased radio interference.

[Perfectlap]

I'm going to print this out and show it to my the service manager if he says spark plug is a two hour job. You know I understand charging more per hour for specialized labor but charging more hours as well is really dishonest.
I'm amazed this isn't subject to some laws.
and of course if they get busted they simply charge more per hour to charge for the fewer hours.
All these Porsche profits is starting to make sense now...

[JackG]

Originally Posted by John V

I'll go ahead and answer my own question since RF transmission and reception happens to be the area in which I make a living. Using a conductive anti-seize on the threads of a spark plug can in no way cause increased radio interference.

I'm in a similar situation (E.E.) and I agree completely. Anti-seize has nothing to do with radio interference.