Old timer at the hangar told me to stop using anti-seize on spark plugs

I had this old mechanic, probably 30 years in the biz, tell me that anti-seize on spark plugs was a bad idea. I thought he was crazy because every car guy I knew swore by it. But he said on aircraft engines the torque readings get thrown off and you can end up over tightening or under tightening. I ignored him for the first few months and just kept doing what I was doing. Then I had a plug seize up on a Continental O-470 and it took me two hours to get it out without damaging the threads. Now I just install them dry with a torque wrench like he said. Has anyone else run into this debate on radial engines or is it just a GA thing?

2 comments

2 Comments

lee7331d ago

Did he mention whether that applies to all engines or just big radials?

barbara_taylor831d ago

@lee733 I've worked on both types and the issue is way worse on big radials. The heat soak is just brutal on those big jugs. Small engines cool off quick enough that moisture doesn't get trapped as bad. That guy told me it's really the big ones with all those cylinders that cause the trouble. The oil stays hot longer and the condensation builds up inside.