got everything I thought I needed to change the plugs on my '01 4.7, but now realize I don't have dielectric grease!

Is it really necessary? Only if I want to be able to remove them easily in the future, right?

sheesh!!!!!

 

Some say use it, some say don't. I think you'll be fine personally but it's up to you. I've not used it before in the past and they have come out fine.

 

nevermind... i use it for many years. But i never have the feeling that i ever realy need it.

 

Thanks guys!

I also figure this... the plugs are good for 100K miles. It's possible my truck will not last that long; so no need to replace again!

Appreciate the input!

 

How about anti-seize? on the threads?

 

Absolutely use anti-sieze on the threads. It will make it much easier to remove the plugs next time. Just put a couple of dabs on the threads and smear it around the circumference of the threaded end of the plug. Screwing the plug in place distributes the anti-sieze into all of the threads.

The dielectric grease will ensure good electrical contact between the plugs and the plug wire connectors. It will also make it a bit easier to twist and remove the plug wires at the next tune-up.

Jimmy

 

I've always used dielectric grease when doing plugs. I've been the victim of someone not using it in the past and it essentially will ruin the wire/coil if it seizes to the plug forcing you to ruin it to get it out. Now if I am doing plugs on a vehicle that I have done them on previously, I'll only use it if it looks like there's very little left from last time. If it still looks good I just go with it.

Recently I have tried using dielectric grease on my negative battery terminal. They've been corroding so bad that I've had to replace two, two years in a row. I never used it on terminals before so I tried it to see if it helps.

As far as antiseize, one these trucks, definately. And torque them down to proper spec as well.

 

Just a comment. I'm old and was changing plugs on my dad's truck when I was 12. We didn't have grease and anti-this and anti-that. We just put in plugs, gave it a little nudge with the wrench, and we liked it that way.

 

They also used to put lead in gas...I understand some people like it old school, but old school is not always better. Back then cars were lucky if they ever hit 100k miles, and they didn't have as long of intervals to change things such as spark plugs as some of today's vehicles do either.

 

With the aluminum heads its a must cast iron not needed even though I never used it on the one aluminum head engine I had and never had a problem