Anti-seize, to use or not to use ?

[switchman]

I will be doing tune-up on wife's car (e39) and i found conflicting info on use of anti-seize compunds on spark plugs. One Bimmerworld write-up says not to use, found one here says use. Whats best ?
Thanks in advance for any reply.

[motordavid]

You will probably get some for/some against. The only time I use it, is
very lightly on my m'cycle plugs, not on car plugs, in the last decade or
two. NGK brand has a pdf that says don't use with some of their plugs, but
it didn't say which ones. I would give a hunt on the brand you intend
to use and see what the ol'web has to say.
My 50Cts...
GL,mD

[switchman]

[QUOTE=motordavid;661594]You will probably get some for/some against. The only time I use it, is
very lightly on my m'cycle plugs, not on car plugs, in the last decade or
two. NGK brand has a pdf that says don't use with some of their plugs, but
it didn't say which ones. I would give a hunt on the brand you intend
to use and say what the ol'web has to say.
My 50Cts...
GL,mD

Thanks, md.
I'm using ngk bkr6equp plugs which is same plugs spec'ed for the 4.4i (my ride). Your right, i'm getting conflicting feedback, then i read about Bosch platinum plugs backing out/loosening issues but did not indicate use of anti-seize. i thinking of not using any since i found this spec sheet although it did not specifically say not to use rather stated dry or no lube.
I'm attaching it here if anyone may have use for it.

[killcrap]

do not use it, only place for anti-sieze is for the o2 sensors which come with it already brand new. spark plugs will not sieze in the motor if they are torqued correctly 25-30nm.

[amacman]

when you remove the old plugs that will indicate how easily the new plugs will insert .
i always clean one old plug thread with an oily rag to a polish then hand thread it into each plug hole , cleaning it after every plug hole .
same thing applies to any bolt / nut /screw , always clean up the threads .

[switchman]

Thanks for all replies, i've read enough to err on the side of no anti-seize. I also found advise to work spark plugs when engine is cold.
Thread is close but i don't know how to close it.

[sfcl]

Having worked on racing motorcycle engines, I've had some thoughts about grease or oil or antiseize on plug threads, and collected information about them.
The main reason to not lube the threads, especially with anti-seize and copper grease, is that it modifies the heat transfert from the plug to the cylinder head and so modifies the heat range of the spark plug... Very roughly, putting some anti-seize grease on the spark plug thread is just like you use hotter plugs.
Another reason is that it theorically avoid a good electrical conductivity between the plug and the engine, so some ignition issues.
In reality, these problem can only occur if you apply a LOT of grease and most of the time it won't hurt to use a very slight coat of anti-seize io the threads and of course it can help sometimes to remove the old plugs in wet, hot and salty environment.
As for the Bosch pdf, it is not that they don't recommend to lube the thread but simply that lubing the threads modify the torque when you tightern the spark plugs.