NGK Iridium Plugs...Questions I asked the tech

[crazie.eddie]

Since I am changing my plugs to NGK Iridiums, I wanted to find out about gapping them. I called NGK and spoke to a tech. Here are the questions and his answers:

Q1. Does the NGK's come with anti-seize lube?
A1. They do not do it themselves, but have no idea what their distributer does or not. They recommend not to put anti-seize lube, since it could affect the torque of the plugs. If you do want to use anti-seize lube, put a very small amount.

Q2. Is it ok to change the gap of the plugs?
A2. With the PT's stock gap, there is no need to change the gap. But if you do, be very careful, since the tips can easily be damaged. Do not use those gap tools that are little rings, which gradually increase in size. They recommend using the gap tools, with the wire.

Q3. Is there a possibility of the metal from the gap tool scraping off on the tips damaging it?
A3. Yes, but the bigger concern is using an improper gap tool that will bend/break the tip.

[SteelBlueGT]

Thanks for the Info which is just about what I came up with after checking on-line sources. I will be putting in my NGK Iridiums this weekend and not re-gapping them or using anti-seize compound. I am changing my wires too and will use about twice the dielectric grease on both boot ends that MOPAR gives U in the wire kit!

[Cal Cruzer]

quote:Originally posted by crazie.eddie

Q1. Does the NGK's come with anti-seize lube?
A1. They do not do it themselves, but have no idea what their distributer does or not. They recommend not to put anti-seize lube, since it could affect the torque of the plugs. If you do want to use anti-seize lube, put a very small amount.

The "tech's" reply to this questions is really off base. The point of anti-seize to to help you get an accurate torque. The grabbing or "galling" of metal to metal contact will give you an artificially higher torque reading without the anti-sieze or some lubricant. Secondly, anti-seize should always be applied when you have an aluminium head. It reduces the chance of cross-threading the plug and will also reduce any reaction of putting 2 unlike metals together, making removal easier when the time comes.

[crazie.eddie]

Not sure, but if you live in the US, you can call a toll free number to clarify that. Here's their info:

Technical Support
hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday-Friday EST
tel: 1-877-473-6767 prompt #2


I got that from www.ngksparkplugs.com

[bigtommy83]

No antiseize on plugs...YIKES. I agree with Cal Cruzer. A little spray antiseize or the stuff that comes in the tub is good. Just don't get it on the tips. What I do is use a hose that fits over the porcelin part of plug to start them. It will just slip around the plug if it goes in cross threaded and doesn't have enough resistance to ruin anything. It is easier to cross thread on say a v8 in tight engine bays as opposed to on the top, right in front of you like the pt's but why risk it.

[MX-5]

I am a professional career mechanic.
You will NEVER see me install steel threaded plugs into an aluminum head without anti-sieze coating.

Dissimilar metals with different expansion temperature coefficients just beg to sieze together and strip the threads on the softer aluminum cylinder head.

The spark plug guy on the phone isn't the one to shell out $600 for a head in another 70K miles.

[crazie.eddie]

HEY EVERYONE! Don't kill the messenger! Geesh! Just trying to relate to those who might have had the same questions I did, which is why I posted it. If you have to gripe, the number is up on the previous post. Call the tech. I believe all of most of you are in the US, so the call is free and have yourselves a tech war.

For myself, yes, I will put anti-sieze lube, but not alot, as they recommend.

But I suggest all you techs give their tech support # a call. If they're giving out the wrong info, voice it out. You seem to do a great job on it here.

[SteelBlueGT]

How about a little gas on the fire? Both Champion and NGK say dont use anti-seize on their premium plugs!! Champion claims they already have a coating on the threads and you got the answer from NGK tech which is the official line at NGK!

Yes I have been using anti-seize compound since they came out with aluminum heads but this is the official line from these two big plug giants! Next they will tell me not to use silicone grease in the plug wire boots![xx(]

[quicksilverdon]

I always use anti-seize, dielectric grease, and ALWAYS chek the gap of new plugs. I usually find the gap on at least 1 in 4 is way off.
To adjust, bend the "arm" - never pry against the center post - no matter what it's made of - you run the risk of cracking the ceramic.

[crazie.eddie]

Maybe it's their way of getting people to keep buying their plugs. Sure, you can get them on and love the performance, but when you need to check them to regap them, you won't be able to remove it, thus breaking the plugs. Then you're forced to buy new plugs.