Anti-Seize

[nighthawk700]

A few threads here that I have been reading suggested putting anti-seize on things being screwed in (for example, I'll be replacing my windscreen with a Clearview shield.)

I asked at Home Depot, they showed me stuff like WD40, graphit, etc. (I got something called Graphite Extreme, quick dry graphite lubricant). But then at the auto-parts store later, saw "Anti-seize." Looked like a thick silver substance, thicker than pudding, with a brush in it.

So what should I be using or looking for?

Thanks for any input.

[waterman]

I don't know if I would be using anti-seize. Most of the nuts and bolts have the low temp locktite on them. Vibrations have been known to loosen things up and I would think anti-seize would make that worse. The only thing I would use anti-seize on is the spark plugs.

[cactusjack]

Anti-seize compound. Comes in little tubes, sold at auto parts stores. Permatex is one company who makes it. It's designed for automotive use and can withstand heat, etc.

[radco]

ANTI Seize is GREAT for most anything that gets SCREWED together.. Spark Plugs a Def Windshield Screws, Plugs, Riser Screws, back rest screws etc,,,, If it going to be removed I anti seize it! I use it everyday at work,, some High Temp areas,,, like Exhaust Studs and bolts... If its a bolt the needs Loc Tite then no.......

[blowndodge]

anti-seize. Silver stuff with a brush is all I use.

[dogdoc]

really good for different metals together. like aluminum head and a spark plug with steel threads, works good. or aluminum head and bolts for header, works good. other bolts i tend to use loctitie to prevent vibration loosening them up.

[macmac]

A small pot with a brush will last years... I have it in a silver color and a copper color... On stainless fittings use the silver color in the windshield, and as is said the spark plugs.

I rarely use locktite on anything that is going to be taken apart from time to time. Rather than use that i prefer to go over the bike, each time I clean it, and that time is when I find most things loose.

If and when I use locktite i use a very small amount, on things the the air filter stud which does shake a lot.

Spark plugs get hot, and the copper color is better for hi heat, but the silver works well.

When I did my swing arm service i used silver anti seize on the 4 acorn nuts at the shaft cover to gear box.. Steel into alloy and water had already stained the steel, so water can get in there and cause galvanic action.

Almost no one here has a need for the copper color, unless they are building engines, where coating long cly head studs insures the head will come off again at some far distant time in the future.

I use the silver stuff on the exhaust studs too.. I find when folks change to V&H Road House and the like it is best to swap out the chromed acorn nuts.. The chrime fails in this sort of heat, where polished stainless stays better.

The studs need service then anyway. By then they have ash on them from heating and oxygen contact.

So I wire bush off the ash, mask the engine and the bike and mist on hi temp black where I can which is hard to do. More often i will mist right into the cans paint cap and then use a brush.

I just paint what will be expose still and leave the threads bright where the nut will be.

Once the paint dries I anti seize the studs, and install the system.

A snapped off exhaust port stud will ruin anyones day. I earn a good fee for getting these out once they are broken off, drill and now a EZ out is also snapped off.

Get some antiseize and put it to use..

[billyboy]

Originally Posted by nighthawk700

So what should I be using or looking for?

Unless you do a lot of wrenching, a small tube of the Permatex Hi-temp Anti-seize lubricant is all you need. I tend to use that more for fasteners that are in and around the engine and will heat up. Also pick up a tube of the blue thread lock. I tend to use the blue thread lock for everything else that won't get hot. It has the same effect as the anti-seize and in addition keeps the fasteners from loosening, but it also prevents seizing.