Exhaust Assembly Paste vs. Anti-Seize Paste

Thanks for the links. I had always thought the CU base antiseive was better due to higher temperature capabilities. I have an old 8 oz can of the AL that I baought a very long time ago that I still use and it works good enough for my limited home requirements.

Your point that comparing assembly putty to anti-seize being an apples to oranges comparison is an excellent post. Good Answer!

What kind of anti-seize paste to use on exhaust manifolds ceased to be a concern many decades ago when I discovered that nothing works better than to throw away the steel nuts and substitute brass ones.

Brass ones never seize, never snap or strip a stud and can be used over again when reassembling.

Frankly, I am surprised to read that there are engines out there that still have steel nuts on the steel exhaust manifold studs. Either the engine is an antique or is a newer one that has a history of being worked on by another.

Not sure as frankly, I've been away from that activity for some time and anything is possible.

L.J.

Last I looked, there were still car companies out there (and small engine makers, etc, too!) who use steel because it's cheaper [first cost], and the hell with the customer. My '56 VW Beetle came with copper nuts on the exhaust, so it's hardly a new idea, but seems to be really tough to justify to the beancounters.

The obvious criterion is the temperature rating. If the normal anti-sieze paste has the same temperature rating as the exhaust assembly paste (unlikely), then either could be used. If it is less, then use the exhaust assembly paste as it is the better material for the job.