White paste instead of copper grease

[vee5]

Just changed the spark plugs on my GSA and noticed that the mounting bolts for cylinder head cover protectors (upper and lower) had some white "metally" looking white paste on them rather than the usual copper grease/anti sieze.

Any one know what the white stuff is and why it would be used in preference to copper grease? Ta.

 

[iain1067]

Could be plasti lube which is often used instead of copper grease on brake pads

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Could be assembly paste.

Something like Optimol White T.

I use it all the time on all my fasteners that screw into aluminium that don’t need thread lock. Stops corrosion and makes them easier to remove when needed.

 

[vee5]

Actually the paste/grease is silver (or a silvery grey), not white . doh. Looks a bit like a kind of aluminium paste/grease - must have been applied by the dealer when they did the valves. Now wondering if it's more suitable for use with aluminium parts (i.e. head protectors) into normal metal than copsalip?

 

[Mistacat]

Lots of different Aluminium anti seize compounds available..
I use Permetex aluminium anti seize, I also use copper grease, no evidence to say which is best except I tend to use the Permetex in more severe conditions Ie. airhead exhaust collars as it seems to last longer and takes more effort to remove it.

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Actually the paste/grease is silver (or a silvery grey), not white . doh. Looks a bit like a kind of aluminium paste/grease - must have been applied by the dealer when they did the valves. Now wondering if it's more suitable for use with aluminium parts (i.e. head protectors) into normal metal than copsalip?

More likely to be Optimol paste TA, which is recommended for use all over the bike.

 

[Smiffypr]

In theory, the copper in copper grease could cause galvanic corrosion when used against aluminium parts, so generally another sort of anti-seize grease is recommended by the vehicle maker. I bought a tin of the ally grease stuff from moto-bins several decades ago.

 

[vee5]

In theory, the copper in copper grease could cause galvanic corrosion when used against aluminium parts, so generally another sort of anti-seize grease is recommended by the vehicle maker. I bought a tin of the ally grease stuff from moto-bins several decades ago.

Thanks smiffy, time for another tin of specialist lube to land on my garage shelf!

 

[bowser]

I always use duralac used to prevent galvanic reaction on boats resistant to salt water, corrasion etc etc etc great stuff