I purchased 16 Autolite Iridium XP5325 spark plugs for my 2011 Ram Sport 1500 with the 5.7 hemi with aluminum heads. After reviewing the' forum threads' there seems to be much confusion whether or not to use anti-seize on the threads and what torque value to use. I called Autolite technical support and the Tech that helped me took his time to get specific catalogs and look up this information before answering my questions. His answers were: "the Iridium spark plug has nickel plated threads. Install the spark plugs with dry threads into the aluminum heads using 13 foot pounds of torque. Be sure to use a good torque wrench that is accurate". I asked if I decided to use anti-seize what 'wet torque' should I use. He replied the books do not cover adding anti-sieze to this spark plug but if I do "only apply a minute [very small] amount of compound on the top thread under the seat of the spark plug". He went on to say the anti-seize compound will squeeze through the threads when the spark plug is seated and torqued. A common problem is to much compound is applied full length of the threads, the compound then squeezes out to the tip fouling the plug causing misfire. The Tech then reiterated: "the nickel plating will prevent galling of the threads in the aluminum head, don't use anti-seize and you won't chance misfires". Keep in mind this information only applies to spark plugs with nickel plated threads. Steel threads require anti-seize compound be use but only a very small amount on the top thread. I watched a YouTube video showing how to change spark plugs in a 2012 Ram with hemi. Nice video but the guy applied anti-seize the full length of the spark plug threads and it was so thick on the threads the threads were barely visible in the close up video of applying the anti-seize compound. I'll bet he had some fouled plugs and misfire problems.

 

Most spark plug manufactures do not recommend using anti-seize compound with their plugs.

Autolite says to install their plugs dry. Here is their reference: http://www.autolite.com/media/11853/torquespecs.pdf

If you want to use anti-sieze, Bosch says to reduce the torque by 30%. Bosch also uses nickle plated threads. https://www.boschsparkplugs.net/lear...orque-settings

Hope this helps.

 

i have heard that completely coating the threads with anti-seize will double the required firing voltage of the coil (stressing the coil) as it interferes with the plugs ground. Apparentlty, this can be seen with an oscilloscope. Yet, anti-seize is supposed to be conductive. I don't know what is true.


I don't use it. I don't overtorque my plugs, change them at the required interval and never had a problem removing them.

 

When I replaced mine I applied anti-seize just on few threads, not completely.
There is a washer that is meant to be crushed. I think you have to hand tighten it and and the do like 1/2 a turn to crush the washer.

 

I use a light coat of anti seize- don't go overboard, that's the trick.

Use 10% less torque and 100% common sense when tightening the plug.

 

No need for anti seize. I shake my head when I read a lot of replies to these types of threads. Many seem to come from people that have never changed the plugs on a 4th gen ram hemi. I did 3 changes on my old '09 and now am driving a 2017. I never used anti seize and they always came out easily. The plugs where the stock ones and came with crush washers so no torque wrench was required. Just hand tighten them till the crush washer make good contact and then go another 1/2 turn. Even if you wanted to use a torque wrench, there is no way to get a good reading with the extensions and swivels required for the installation.

 

If you change your plugs on the schedule the manufacturer recommends, they won't weld themselves to the engine with rust......

 

From what I have been told a lot of people have issues with plugs that are not the oem ones so after changing just keep that in mind.