What grease to use on bolts?

[Fallout]

While we're asking about copper grease, is there a technique to applying it to spark plugs? Obviously you don't want a wadge of it falling into the engine over time. Is it just 'a tiny bit'? What happens when you put new plugs in? Do you just leave whatever grease is in there and not apply new stuff?

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by Fallout

While we're asking about copper grease, is there a technique to applying it to spark plugs? Obviously you don't want a wadge of it falling into the engine over time. Is it just 'a tiny bit'? What happens when you put new plugs in? Do you just leave whatever grease is in there and not apply new stuff?

I've always added nothing more than a light line around the bottom threads. Winding the plug in spreads it out and you don't end up with blobs of it everywhere. Only needs a smidge.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Fallout

While we're asking about copper grease, is there a technique to applying it to spark plugs? Obviously you don't want a wadge of it falling into the engine over time. Is it just 'a tiny bit'? What happens when you put new plugs in? Do you just leave whatever grease is in there and not apply new stuff?

I have a toothbrush in the pot of grease and give the threads a wipe with it.

It also kills plaque and removes stains.

[embee]

It's worth getting hold of some aluminium/graphite based anti-seize grease rather than copper. Copper is ideally suited to steel/iron. I know it's being a bit fussy, but alum paste is available so why not? It's ideal for any fastener into aluminium, including spark plugs, brake caliper bolts etc.

Copper is still better than nothing.

I use Loctite 8060 sticks (like glue sticks, very convenient) but it would seem it may have been discontinued, unless anyone knows where to get it still. There are alternative alum/graphite greases on the fleabay.

[Sir Trev]

Last time I took my Curvy to Spannerman's he commented on all the copper grease he found on various bolts as he did the deep dive service it got treated to. He uses some kind of silvery grease (which oddly he referred to as "black sh*t", something to do with the tub it came in) but said I'd done nothing wrong in using copper.

[Winder]

Originally Posted by Sir Trev

Last time I took my Curvy to Spannerman's he commented on all the copper grease he found on various bolts as he did the deep dive service it got treated to. He uses some kind of silvery grease (which oddly he referred to as "black sh*t", something to do with the tub it came in) but said I'd done nothing wrong in using copper.

This is what made me ask the original question Trev. I recently bought Stenno's 2005 pointy which was always serviced by Spannerman and noticed the silver stuff on all the bolts.

[embee]

... that'll probably be aluminium/graphite grease.

Well here we go again-If you are using all the correct torque setting for the nuts and bolts,either from the manual or by design how do you qualify greasing or lubricating then before fitting especially if thread locking is called for when refitting.

Apparently I have been told this is wrong where a torque setting is applicable.
I admit that I clean the bolts with a oily rag,then with a clean rag to clean off any excess before refitting to ensure the smooth running of the thread and normally find this quite adequate

[mikerj]

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

Well here we go again-If you are using all the correct torque setting for the nuts and bolts,either from the manual or by design how do you qualify greasing or lubricating then before fitting especially if thread locking is called for when refitting.

Experience. How many people have had a fastener fail that was directly attributable to anti-seize compounds? Not me in the last 30 odd years for sure.

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

Well here we go again-If you are using all the correct torque setting for the nuts and bolts,either from the manual or by design how do you qualify greasing or lubricating then before fitting especially if thread locking is called for when refitting.

I very rarely take something apart that needs thread lock on reassembly, so my comments are mainly based on the rest of the bike. Have encountered several seized fasteners over the decades so if it's practical I will Copperslip a bolt to make it easier next time. Still tighten or torque as required.