I'm assuming the crack will cause the plug to malfunction. Correct?

 

Might get interesting in damp weather....If it's running ok then just get another one..

Ds

 

Heat line on the strap is deep meaning heat, can back the timing down a setting or try some fuel to cool it down some, the color line should be in the bend of the strap.

 

The gold around the base of the left plug looks like ant-sieze compound. I have some that is that color around the plug holes on mine where it comes off when screwing the plugs in and out. I usually use a little motor oil instead of ant-sieze, but there always seems to be a little residual.

 

Just a tip for us v motor guys. No need for a socket. Just use a box wrench and loosen gently and tighten gently..You wont crack another plug. What ever you do NO ANTISEEZE EVER.... One of those things we were told too do many moons ago on aluimn heads that's is not good. Do a search on it
Looking at your plugs...its too lean put some more fuel to it.

 

I did a search on anti seize and the sites I found said use it.
Yes they did say it was good on aluminum heads they just said don't get it on the cathode or the anode of the spark plug.

What is your source for not using it?

 

This seems to be one of those things that the more you look, the more confused you get....

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=2458159

Besides bikes, my Toyotas have alum. heads and the original plugs in my truck came out with silver antisieze on them. My used camry did not have anything on the plugs, not sure if they were original but they came out hard. I use just a hint of antiseeze and just snug them....I think over tightening is more harmful and the major cause of problems in this area...

Ds

 

Here's what Autolite says about using anti-seize

We do not recommend the use of any anti seize products for installing spark plugs. Anti seize compounds are typically composed of metallic,
electrically conductive ingredients. If anti seize compounds come in
contact with the core nose of the plugs, it can lead to a misfire condition.
Anti seize compounds can also have a torque multiplying effect when
installing plugs. This can lead to thread distortion and thread galling
resulting in cylinder head damage. Autolite spark plugs are nickel plated
to resist the effects of corrosion and seizing. However, plug seizure is
aggravated further when steel plugs are installed into aluminum cylinder
heads for a long period of time.

Here's what AC/Delco says:

Do not use any type of anti-seize compound on spark plug threads. Doing this will decrease the amount of friction between the threads. The result of the lowered friction is that when the spark plug is torqued to the proper specification, the spark plug is turned too far into the cylinder head. This increases the likelihood of pulling or stripping the threads in the cylinder head. Over-tightening of a spark plug can cause stretching of the spark plug shell and could allow blowby to pass through the gasket seal between the shell and insulator. Over-tightening also results in extremely difficult removal.
Draw your own conclusions(look at the dates on your searches) I use Anti seize for everything but it wont go on another plug again as i have fixed several problems in many vehicles related to it on plugs. Misfires in a race car with 8 plugs sure as hell wont do 2 plugs much good. Plus it is not needed. Most guys have there plugs out at least 1 time a year most tinker and have them out 2-3 times a year.
No pissing contest just go do some checking with some good up to date techs No the internet

 

I have yet to have a misfire and I use the silver anti-seize.
Like Doug I just snug them. I don't use a torque wrench.

I can see how it would cause the over torquing thing you are talking about though.

 

Just on a funny note I tease a high school shop teacher all the time. Well i put a dab of anti seize down low on the plug(not something any of us would do) and put it back in his mower. Boy did he ever go crazy with a 1 cyl john deere. Anti seize has ceramics in it and electrical conductors so if it gets hot it can and will short out the plug.
We were having the same discussion after i had a PITA job come from a dealer using anti seize.
Have to admit i did not find it on my own but alldata tech asked the rite question.
Not absolute but something to think about....do you really need it?