I've read 2 install writeups for spark plug installs.

1 of them said to use dielectric grease on the new plugs and wires and the other didn't even mention it.

Do I need to do this?

 

It can't hurt.

 

Use DEG. on the plug to wire terminal, this helps keep it from breaking off from heat failure. Absolutely no problems. Use anti-seize on the threaded ends of the plug...not on the ground strap or center electrode, just some on the threads to help with removal later.

 

+ not to mention it helps cut down RFI(radio freqency interferance)
This is the noise/voltage an ignition system can "induce" into other circuits.
Like the low volt PCM circuits.
Have had alot of funky problems on car's that was RFI.

 

i dont use dielectric grease or anti seize and i never have any problems

but then again i cahnge my plugs every oil change (yes i know its overkill, but its one less thing on my mind)

 

Anti seize on the threads and dielectric on the boots. Only takes 5-10 mins more and save a bunch of fussing later.

 

Anti-seize on the plugs is a no-brainer. You're working with aluminum here, and galling happens more easily than you think. Cheap insurance. Just because you "haven't had trouble yet" doesn't make a good argument for not doing it the right way to make sure you never have trouble.

Dielectric gel is a good safeguard too. It prevents corrosion and ensures the connection between your coil and your plug doesn't degrade over time. Besides that, I've broken a TON more plug wires over the years that didn't slip off nice and easy because there was no gel lubricating them than I ever have when the gel was used.

Wrencher - DEG cuts back on RFI? I've never heard this.. Electrically speaking, that makes not sense to me at all. I mean, how does a non-conductive gel affect attenuation or circuit bleed? can you explain?

 

Anyone know where I can pick up anti-seize. I went to home depot yesterday and asked if they had it and they looked at me like I had 10 heads....And I asked 6 employees....

 

Auto parts store will have anti-seize. It is usually where the thread locker and stuff like that are at.

 

[quote]


Wrencher - DEG cuts back on RFI? I've never heard this.. Electrically speaking, that makes not sense to me at all. I mean, how does a non-conductive gel affect attenuation or circuit bleed? can you explain? [/quote
It acts as a seal between plug & wire. The CNP ignition system of a LS1 is capable of generating in the excess of 80,000 volts. But normally only runs at 12 to 20K.
Most PCM sensors are 5 volt referance based & O2's are a single volt circuit.
It is not difficult for stray ign. system voltage to find it's way into other circuits.
This extra voltage can confuse PCM & cause problems.
The type of problems they cause are very diff.& hard to diagnois.
I have seen it b-4 monitoring cam sensor, a knock sensor & others with a digital storage lab scope. It shows up as noise on the circuits waveform/trace/pulse train.
Just DEG alone had made the problem go away in some cases.
I'm a GM tech & is is even taught in seminars etc.
Delco wires come with a small packet of DEG w/ the wire set.
This is something that alot of cars are supseptable to.