How Royco 44 Protects Aircraft Components

One of the substances in the HAZMAT locker that never quits getting its due praise is that little tube or tub or weird, greasy substance with metal flakes in it: anti-seize compound. But try to take apart a high-heat or corrosion component without anti-seize, and you will rue the day you took it for granted.

From spark plugs to exhaust bolts and a million other things in between, anti-seize compound is one of the most valuable things in your toolbox, even if it is not used all the time.

Introduction to Royco 44

So, what is anti-seize compound anyway?

Made from a few different compounds, it is usually made of zinc alloys or graphite petrolatum. When threaded fasteners and fittings are subjected to high heat and high corrosion or highly corrosive elements like exhaust gas, they need a thread compound to keep nuts and bolts from seizing. Seize compound, or anti-seize, is a general-purpose thread compound that keeps threaded fasteners from locking tight and works very well.

In particular, Royco 44 is a heavy-duty anti-seize compound designed for corrosion-resistant metal/metal alloy contact, particularly in aircraft engine spark plugs and threaded fasteners. This compound meets the specifications of SAE-AMS-2518, formerly MIL-T-5544B, making it suitable for aviation applications.

Piston aircraft engine spark plugs are particularly sensitive to this, as aircraft engines run at a much higher power setting than automobile engines ever run at. The engine in your car or truck cruises around a 10%-15% power setting and ramps up when it pulls a load. However, an aircraft engine like a Lycoming continually operates between 75%-100% power setting and will do so for hours. Also, these are air-cooled engines, and they get hot. Anti-seize compound is your very best defense against spark plugs and spark plug igniters getting stuck in the case.

Royco 44, which we supply, is engineered to prevent seizing, galling, and corrosion in threaded connections and metal-to-metal contact points. It is not for any other components, so use it as directed. For what it is designed to do, there is nothing better.

Composition and Specifications

  • Royco 44 consists of a graphite petrolatum formula applied with a paintbrush. It is not runny or exactly solid. Instead, it is more of a metallic paste, and it does what it is made to do exceptionally well.
  • The compound meets MIL-T-5544C and AMS-2518B specifications, ensuring its quality and performance.
  • Used most commonly on spark plugs and igniters, it is a must-have item in your piston-engine tool kit, especially well suited for Lycoming engine repairs and maintenance.
  • Royco 44 is qualified to SAE-AMS-2518, formerly MIL-T-5544C, and is suitable for corrosion-resistant metals, such as titanium and nickel alloys.
  • The compound exhibits high-temperature stability, making it suitable for extreme temperatures and industrial applications.
  • Royco 44 has a shelf life of 1,095 days, so make sure to plan accordingly in your purchase quantity. Professional rebuild shops will want to have plenty on hand.

Benefits of Using Royco 44 Anti-Seize Compound

One of Royco 44's main benefits is preventing seizing and galling in threaded fasteners and fittings. Nothing is worse than breaking off a spark plug or an exhaust head stud, which means serious downtime. Royco 44 is the cheapest insurance in the world to keep these disasters at bay.

It is also electrically conductive, meaning you can use it in areas more sensitive to conductivity issues, but it still requires an anti-seize compound element. Royco 44 is designed to work with austenitic corrosion-resistant steels, cobalt alloys, and other metals, making it a versatile and reliable choice. One thing it is not is a general-purpose lubricant. Anti-seize has a particular set of uses, which it does exceptionally well. You shouldn’t use it for anything outside of those tasks. 

Here are some of the most common uses for anti-seize compound:

  • Spark plugs and igniters
  • Exhaust systems, hot sections in turbines
  • Electrical grounds
  • Mating surfaces that are exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
  • Royco 44 is a heavy-duty anti-seize compound, providing excellent protection and lubrication in extreme temperatures and harsh environments. However, it is strictly for static threaded applications and is never for lubricating moving parts.

Greenwood Aerospace Is Your Royco 44 Supplier

Greenwood Aerospace has been providing aircraft parts and components for decades, and we are your Royco 44 anti-seize compound vendor. Whether you need it in bulk or not, we will procure exactly what you want. Also, ask about the other common types of aircraft oils and lubricants we supply!