If I recall correctly Ted gave at least two reasons not to use anti seize on spark plugs that have been plated. One is because of the tendancy to over torque the plugs. The plating on the plugs is designed to let go when the plugs are torqued or removed. Secondly, when cooked anti seize breaks down and forms a carbon like substance that is very abrasive to valves and cylinder walls etc. if drawn into the combustion chamber by any back pressure. I would think this would be risky if used on manifolds as well.

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

I'm not sure if these will work with Rams Horns due to the large bolt hole size in the header flange and the length required, but I've used the "Stage 8" locking header bolt fasteners with good success. They have a smaller diameter hex head with an Allen Head in the center for better access. The locking tabs make it impossible for the bolt to loosen up and back off. They make many different types depending on your application, but I don't know if they have a version that is 2&1/2" long. Might be worth checking out their website though.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

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It sounds like I read Ted’s posting in haste and that my rec-collector isn’t helping the situation either. Thanks for coming in on this Ian and Mark regarding potential metal interaction between the copper in SOME anti-seize compounds and aluminum, and the use of anti-seize materials with plated spark plug housings. I hadn’t registered on the effect of anti-seize compound on correctly torquing spark plugs OR the consequences of interfering with manufacturers’ purpose in plating spark plugs.

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Too, it sounds like there are different formulations of anti-seize compounds. I’m using the ‘Never-Seez’ brand, catalog number NS-160.

The display advertising label on the can calls it an ‘anti-seize and lubricating compound’. At the bottom of that label it is tagged an ‘extreme pressure lubricant’. The same front label proclaims the product to be for ‘protection against: -extreme heat…over 2,000 *F, -corrosion, -seizure, -galling, -rust, -carbon fusion, -galvanic pitting’. The ingredient make-up of the product is not given anywhere on the can.

In the listing of potential application categories AND specific uses for the product on the back of the can, under ‘general’ it is recommended for use with ‘steel threads to aluminum or magnesium castings; Stainless steel to stainless steel threaded fasteners’.

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Again, kudos to Ian and Mark for not letting what I wrote stand to be read by others as applying to ALL anti-seize compounds and Mark, thanks for correcting my incorrect recounting of Ted’s earlier posting of information about the use of anti-seize compounds on spark plug threads.

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Looks like the book is correct recommending graphite lube.

I would use a grad8 bolt with a hardened washer,reason being grade 8 has flexabilty and durabuility. have don it this way on atleast 5 engines no more loos or broken bolts. spring washers will loose the spring du to heat,so do not use lock washers standerd flat washers or grade 5 on any exmanifold, in my experiance. cliff

I have had good success with stainless bolts on headers with aluminium heads. They are a lower grade bolt but if they meet torque needs it should be OK, and they fix a lot of corrosion issues.

Charlie, you are welcome. In no way was my post intended to correct what you said, but rather to add to what you said. For years I have been using the aluminum coloured Permatex product, oblivious to all the pitfalls of making assumptions. I recently purchased a made in Canada product by Kleen-flo. The label claims most of the advantages that your product has and since the label is copper covered I though I had my bases covered (an aluminum based product and copper based product). I just read the MDS sheet and it has about 10% alumium, 10% copper an 30% graphite. Go figure!

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

FWIW, the copper product I've always used on ground and terminal connections came out of the electrical industry. I'm sure it's CU-AL rated by UL and CSA. And given how much galvanized steel we used, I'd be surprised if it was a problem there, either.

And thanks to whoever posted that adding a "tag" let one post from Safari.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Why any anti seize, grease, etc. No manufacturer fits grease or anti seize.

Always cold Heads with Aluminium with every thing you do with them. 38*C and below.
And how about tensions,its easy to pull threads with aluminium, grease won't change that.

Maniseal is a ceramic gasket sealer, perhaps you can use that on the threads?