TFI heat transfer paste

[Raven855]

In looking at the specs for the commonly available computer cpu paste, it doesn't look to be a good choice to use on the TFI module. So on a reapplication of the heat paste for the TFI module, what does every one use?

[Bob Holmes]

How did you determine that? Teach me Obi-Wan...


I've always gone to Radio Shack and bought their heat transfer grease.

[MikeFleming]

I use computer CPU heat transfer paste. Same stuff.

[Raven855]

I went and looked at the data sheets of what was available at best buy. You had non silicone and silicone based. The non silicone was not good with vibration and water. The silicone stuff was not rated for metal to metal heat transfer and was prone to separate. It also had a tendency to run.

[MikeFleming]

I have a large tube (5oz) of Heat Transfer Compound, Ford E7AZ-19A426-A and it has the same consistency, color and feel as the stuff I use on vomuter heat sinks. I didn't not see on the tube anything that stated Si or not but it's more than a decade old and kinda wrinkled. Like me.

[Raven855]

It's more than a decade old and kinda wrinkled. Like me.

Hopefully the tube doesn't leak too! I'll check tomorrow and see if the Ford stuff is available. Thanks for a number.

[Meotchh]

The stuff we used in the USAF, commonly referred to as "Monkey Cum", was different than the stuff used for CPU heat sinks. I did not know why, but I knew the computer shop had different part number compound than we had in the radio shop. Thanks to Obi-Wan for the helpful understanding 18 years later.

[Raven855]

The following is information I collected from several sources.


The part number that Mike supplied E7AZ-19A426-A is obsolete. I did find a tube back East at a dealership, they wanted about $28. This is the stuff that was installed at the factory on our cars. It is a Heat transfer compound made of zinc oxide and silicone. The Helm manual has this:


Installation


1. Coat metal base plate of TFI-IV ignition module uniformly with silicone compound, approximately 0.79mm (1/32 inch) thick. Use Silicone Dielectric Compound WA-10(Motorcraft), D7AZ-19A331-A or equivalent meeting Fords specification ESE-M1C171-A


2. Place TFI-IV module on distributor base mounting flange.


3. Carefully position TFI-IV module assembly toward distributor bowl and engage three distributor connector pins securely.


4. Install two TFI-IV module mounting screws and tighten to 1.7-4.0 N-m (15-35 lb-in) starting with upper RH screw.


5. Install distributor on engine.


6. Install distributor cap. Tighten cap mounting screws to 2.0-2.6 N-m (18-23 lb-in).


7. Install TFI-IV harness connector.


8. Using an induction timing lamp, verify engine timing. Refer to Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located in the engine compartment.


The d7az-19a331-a is Fords Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound.
Dielectric grease has a thermal conductivity of 0.6 W/(m-K) whereas "traditional" heat transfer compounds / greases have thermal conductivities around 2 W/(m-K).
The higher the thermal conductivity, the higher the heat transfer and the cooler the device (lower temperature) remains that is generating the heat for a given heat transfer interface area.
Because of the increased heat given off by modern electronics, especially the processors in PCs, modern heat transfer compounds have thermal conductivities approaching 7 W/(m-K). Arctic Silver 3 is one such compound. If you use something like Arctic Silver be aware that they were not designed for an automotive environment and reapplying the grease occasionally would be a good idea. It is also a good idea to remember that while the engine is running is different than what happens afterwards. You will have increased heat soak into the TFI. The TFI was design to operate at 300 degrees and less.
These are the products that I found that are similar to Fords Heat Transfer Compound:


Napa/Echlin – (Echlin) Part# Echlin TPL45


AutoZone – (Wells Vehicle Electronics) Part# Duralast SL203


O’Reilly Auto Parts – (Borg Warner) Part# BWD CL80


Discount Auto Parts – (Standard Motor Products) Part# SMP SL-3

[MikeFleming]

I also have tube of d7az-19a331-a is Fords Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound. I use it to lube assorted electrical connectors (to keep moisture out), for spark plug cable boots (make them really slippery and allows them to come off later), etc. Apply it with Q-tips into the boots.

For brakes That Ford stuff from the 70's isn't high-temp enough for brakes today but it's great for lubing spark plug boots. I use this as a high temp brake lube:

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/product-categories/lubricants/specialty-lubricants-brakes/permatex-ceramic-extreme-brake-parts-lubricant-detail

[blueboss]

Wakefield

[venomizd93]

Anyone ever check out Arctic SilverThermal Paste? The use it in repairing the YLOD on PS3s supposedly some of the best thermal paste out there.