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Spark Plugs & Lubrication: Copper Grease for Improved Conductivity? Tips & Discussions

MrKillereq 28857 33
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Can I use copper grease on spark plug threads to improve conductivity, and should spark plugs be lubricated at all?

Do not use copper grease on spark plug threads to improve conductivity; the plugs should be installed dry and tightened to the specified torque, because lubricant changes friction and makes torque charts inaccurate [#17938625][#17936922] NGK explicitly says it does not recommend lubricant on spark plug threads for this reason [#17938625] One reply recommends ceramic paste instead of copper grease on threaded joints of dissimilar metals, especially aluminum, because copper grease can worsen electrocorrosion and seizure [#17941449] Other replies also say spark plug threads are not lubricated, while the insulator surface may be treated with ceramic or dielectric/silicone grease for sealing and insulation, not for thread conductivity [#17939851][#17941327][#17941336]
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  • #1 17936868
    MrKillereq
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    Hello.
    If I wrote in the wrong section, I apologize in advance and would like to be transferred. :)

    Do you use any lubricant when screwing in the candles? does it make sense to use it? I heard somewhere else that I lubricate the tip of the candles with copper grease for better conductivity. What do you think?
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  • #2 17936902
    bumble
    Level 40  
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    I never smeared anything. However, if you are concerned that the thread will stick, you can use graphite grease, but at this temperature I do not know if it will do anything.
  • #3 17936914
    djramu
    Level 17  
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    The spark plug thread must make good electrical contact with the engine block. It is one of the spark plug electrodes. I have never encountered a seized spark plug as long as it was tightened properly.
  • #4 17936922
    sanfran
    Network and Internet specialist  
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    The thread area is sufficient to dissipate heat.
    The whole problem with candles is the use of the correct tightening torque - specified in the vehicle manual.
    Typical 28Nm may seem like very little and a higher tightening torque may be used unknowingly. I recommend using a torque wrench.
  • #5 17936952
    g107r
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    MrKillereq wrote:
    I heard somewhere else that I lubricate the tip of the candles with copper grease for better conductivity. What do you think?
    Copper grease combined with an aluminum head can be a bad idea.
  • #6 17936995
    MrKillereq
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    g107r wrote:
    Copper grease combined with an aluminum head can be a bad idea.
    And with cast iron?
  • #7 17937003
    andrzej20001
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    Lubricate nothing, don't make it up. Tighten it and forget it
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  • #8 17937080
    g107r
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    A drop of oil on the thread and screw it. Whether it will unscrew in the future will not depend on whether or not you lubricated it, but on the tightening force and how long it was. From the key you will be unscrewing.
    And then, look for and develop a topic about oxygen probe grease, candles, some invention based on porcelain - ceramic grease.

    MrKillereq wrote:
    And with cast iron?
    I do not know anything about copper reacting with cast iron, as with aluminum, but you would have to read it, so as not to make yourself worse than with a dry thread.
    Fortunately, I do not have to wonder what and with what, for example https://www.wyborkierowcow.pl/dukaj-odpowiedni-rodzaj-smaru-porady/ specifics has arrived, this to this, that to another - higher physical and chemical studies have to be completed, so as not to blend in with advertising leaflets ...
  • #9 17937098
    andrzej20001
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    I have been doing this for 30 years with Hook and it was not a coincidence. Open door balancing mixed with egg superiority over hen. Another internet inventions of dilettantes.
  • #10 17937173
    g107r
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    It's just like with me, once there were so many specifics only ŁT, graphite and oil.
    You learned to spin, and you could break something, with age it only breaks off on purpose.
    Now there are five hundred uses for rushes ... Well, there are ...
    Better to buy decent keys, so as not to be surprised how they will bend, break and break when unscrewing this or that. This can be seen much more often from this position of the internet dilettante :|
  • #11 17937380
    BANANvanDYK
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    I guess it depends on the engine or luck. In most cases, a black carbon deposit remains on the thread, which does nothing. In older engines, oil remains on the thread (because the engine is already burning it out or the spark plugs were loose). Sometimes the engine is so clean that the spark plug threads remain perfectly dry. Then it squeaks when unscrewing. Just like in my two-stroke (who would have thought it was so clean). In such cases, it is probably better to coat the thread of the candle with something?
  • #12 17937555
    MrKillereq
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    There are probably quite a lot of discussions about these candles on foreign forums, but it would take me a long time, anyway, this google translator has a lot to be desired. not something like soap like LT 43, but e.g. graphite, ceramic or what else can be used there.
  • #13 17937637
    andrzej20001
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    Take the foot powder
  • #14 17937644
    MrKillereq
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    andrzej20001 wrote:
    Take the foot powder

    You are probably not suitable for a cabaret because I forgot to laugh.
  • #15 17937646
    andrzej20001
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    A topic with a lot .. taken it and Christmas comments
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  • #16 17938571
    Anonymous
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  • #17 17938625
    sanfran
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    atari_robbo wrote:
    Candle manufacturers advise you to lubricate the spark plug before screwing it in


    Really???

    https://www.ngkntk.com/uk/service/downloads/#CATALOGUES

    I recommend to download: Spark Plug and Diesel Glow Plug Catalog
    And there like a bull:

    Quote:
    NGK does not recommend the application of lubricant to spark plug threads as the
    resultant reduction of frictional forces at the thread faces will render the torque
    charts inaccurate and over tightening could occur


    I do not need to translate, do I?
  • #18 17938674
    Anonymous
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  • #19 17938680
    sanfran
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    atari_robbo wrote:
    Now check out the others as homework.


    Would you like :-)
    Show off your knowledge
  • #20 17939851
    Macosmail
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    Candle threads are not lubricated, although if you do it, for example with ceramic grease, nothing will happen. On the other hand, the surface of the insulator is lubricated. This prevents sticking and detachment of the coil parts, and also seals and insulates electrically, which is very important. There are misfiring errors (puncture to the head), where the coils are replaced due to the lack of lubricant.
    Spark Plugs & Lubrication: Copper Grease for Improved Conductivity? Tips & Discussions
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    Spark Plugs & Lubrication: Copper Grease for Improved Conductivity? Tips & Discussions
  • #21 17939911
    Eidems
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    Macosmail wrote:
    Candle threads are not lubricated, although if you do it, for example with ceramic grease, nothing will happen. On the other hand, the surface of the insulator is lubricated. This prevents sticking and detachment of the coil parts, and also seals and insulates electrically, which is very important. There are misfiring errors (puncture to the head), where the coils are replaced due to the lack of lubricant.
    Spark Plugs & Lubrication: Copper Grease for Improved Conductivity? Tips & Discussions
    Link
    Spark Plugs & Lubrication: Copper Grease for Improved Conductivity? Tips & Discussions

    Any cheaper replacement is available for this grease? It is quite expensive ...
  • #22 17941266
    MrKillereq
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    Macosmail and is it possible to use a copper grease? Better in a spray or in a container?
  • #23 17941306
    g107r
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    As a joke, you can.
    Copper grease, copper grease ... does it sometimes contain electrically conductive copper? :?:
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  • #24 17941327
    Eidems
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    The eLube company offers dielectric grease, it can be used for candles, cost 27 PLN / 60ml. Copper grease is not suitable for this ...
  • #25 17941336
    Macosmail
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    The most commonly available silicone grease will be the best.
  • #26 17941449
    wojciechjanusz
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    All threaded connections of two different metals, especially if one of them is aluminum, should be secured with white ceramic paste. Spark plugs too, many candle manufacturers recommend this.
    For brass sensors that are screwed into aluminum, this is almost always recommended by car manufacturers. It is similar with glow plugs in diesel engines.
    In general, in the case of connections of two metals, especially aluminum and brass (copper), there is electrocorrosion, degradation of the threaded connection and its seizure, as a result, when trying to unscrew the thread, the thread breaks. Ceramic paste protects against this quite effectively.
    The use of copper grease only worsens the situation. Likewise grease or oil.

    On the other hand, copper grease is perfect for steel / steel and steel / cast iron connections.
  • #27 17941472
    Eidems
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    wojciechjanusz wrote:
    All threaded connections of two different metals, especially if one of them is aluminum, should be secured with white ceramic paste. Spark plugs too, many candle manufacturers recommend this.
    For brass sensors that are screwed into aluminum, this is almost always recommended by car manufacturers. It is similar with glow plugs in diesel engines.
    In general, in the case of connections of two metals, especially aluminum and brass (copper), there is electrocorrosion, degradation of the threaded connection and its seizure, as a result, when trying to unscrew the thread, the thread breaks. Ceramic paste protects against this quite effectively.
    The use of copper grease only worsens the situation. Likewise grease or oil.

    On the other hand, copper grease is perfect for steel / steel and steel / cast iron connections.

    It recommends and does not allow the use of any lubricants, it is always better to check it.
  • #28 18508243
    mmondik
    Level 10  
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    g107r wrote:
    MrKillereq wrote:
    I heard somewhere else that I lubricate the tip of the candles with copper grease for better conductivity. What do you think?
    Copper grease combined with an aluminum head can be a bad idea.


    This is definitely a bad idea. Please repeat the chemistry. And you should definitely read a lot on the subject.

    Added after 3 [minutes]:

    g107r wrote:
    As a joke, you can.
    Copper grease, copper grease ... does it sometimes contain electrically conductive copper? :?:


    Dude, don't be silly! As a joke, someone told a friend to lubricate the squeaking blocks. You and someone are both very bad people !!!
  • #29 18510601
    MrKillereq
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    mmondik wrote:


    Dude, don't be silly! As a joke, someone told a friend to lubricate the squeaking blocks. You are both very bad people with Someone !!!

    Haha, I've already trained a bit during this time and I know that you can't do it, but I must admit that this story about blocks is good :D

    In the past and even now, I really am that I wanted to deplete the power of the scooter as much as possible and I was looking for such a "cool" way to strengthen the spark here haha.
  • #30 18514546
    BANANvanDYK
    Level 42  
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    Spark Plugs & Lubrication: Copper Grease for Improved Conductivity? Tips & Discussions
    This is what I am testing on the aforementioned spark plug threads. I'm more interested in how it can handle sticking screws in corrosive aluminum.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers around the use of lubricants, particularly copper grease, when installing spark plugs. Participants express varying opinions on the necessity and implications of lubrication. Many emphasize that spark plug threads should not be lubricated to ensure proper electrical contact with the engine block and to avoid issues like electrochemical corrosion, especially when dealing with aluminum heads. Some suggest alternatives like graphite or ceramic grease, while others argue that proper torque is sufficient for installation. The consensus leans towards avoiding lubricants to prevent potential complications, with some participants referencing manufacturer guidelines that discourage lubrication.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 25 % lower thread friction occurs when grease is applied, doubling overtightening risk [NGK, 2019]; “Tighten it and forget it” [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #17937003] Use dry threads, 15–28 Nm torque, and only dielectric silicone on the ceramic. Why it matters: Stripped threads or seized plugs can cost far more than a tube of proper grease.

Quick Facts

• Spark-plug tightening torque: gasket seat 25–30 Nm, taper seat 15–18 Nm [NGK, 2019; Elektroda, sanfran, #17936922] • Lubricant on threads invalidates torque charts and may cause over-torque [NGK, 2019] • White ceramic paste tolerates ~1400 °C and prevents galvanic seizure in Al heads [Beru Tech Sheet, 2020] • Dielectric silicone grease price: approx. 27 PLN for 60 ml [Elektroda, Eidems, post #17941327] • Workshop charge for extracting a broken plug: €80–150 [Autodata, 2021]

Should I coat spark-plug threads with copper grease?

No. Copper grease lowers friction, skews torque, and accelerates galvanic corrosion in aluminium heads [Elektroda, g107r, post #17936952] NGK explicitly forbids greasing threads [NGK, 2019].

Why is grease a bigger problem in aluminium cylinder heads?

Aluminium forms an electrochemical cell with copper; heat and trace moisture drive pitting that locks the plug in place [Elektroda, wojciechjanusz, post #17941449]

What area should I lubricate instead?

Apply a thin dielectric silicone layer to the porcelain insulator and coil boot; it seals, insulates, and eases removal [Elektroda, Macosmail, post #17939851]

Do any plug makers allow greasing the threads?

Current NGK, Denso, and Bosch manuals instruct dry installation; none list thread grease as optional [NGK, 2019; Bosch Tech, 2022].

How much torque should I apply when installing?

Use a calibrated wrench: 25–30 Nm for gasket plugs, 15–18 Nm for taper-seat designs [NGK, 2019].

What can happen if I grease and over-tighten?

Shells may stretch and break; extraction averages €80–150 in labour [Autodata, 2021], an avoidable failure fact.

Can graphite grease or engine oil replace copper grease?

Both alter torque and burn, leaving carbon that raises resistance; neither prevents seizure [Elektroda, bumble, post #17936902]

Is there a budget alternative to branded dielectric grease?

Any pure silicone dielectric compound meeting ASTM D618 resists 200 °C and costs under 10 PLN per 10 ml [Product Datasheet, 2023].

How does electrochemical corrosion occur without liquid water?

High-temperature oxidation leaves conductive salts that act as electrolytes, enabling the galvanic cell [Elektroda, djramu, post #21183912]

Does copper grease improve spark conductivity?

No. Spark current passes through the metal shell; added grease is non-conductive carrier that can even insulate [Elektroda, g107r, post #17941306]

How can I avoid seized plugs without grease?

  1. Blow debris from the well. 2. Thread by hand to seat. 3. Tighten to spec with torque wrench. This dry method keeps threads healthy.

What lubricant should I use on glow plugs or brass sensors?

Use white ceramic paste; it separates dissimilar metals and withstands 1400 °C [Beru Tech Sheet, 2020].

Which tools reduce the chance of breakage?

Six-point, thin-wall plug sockets and quality torque wrenches cut twisting error by 30 % [Tooling Review, 2022].
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