So at the suggestion of the board, I am going to be renewing the thermal paste on this. From the FAQ and other posts, I need to get the old paste off. Is alcohol best for this?

Then, apply a paper thin layer of new thermal paste.

It seems I am to reinstall with very light torque--just enough so it has contact, and does not move, but not so much so that it squishes out the new paste.

Is that correct?

Thanks all.

So at the suggestion of the board, I am going to be renewing the thermal paste on this. From the FAQ and other posts, I need to get the old paste off. Is alcohol best for this?
-> Wipe the old paste off, kitchen tissue or rag. Alcohol is optional.

Then, apply a paper thin layer of new thermal paste.
It seems I am to reinstall with very light torque--just enough so it has contact, and does not move, but not so much so that it squishes out the new paste. Is that correct?
-> Yes. Tighten the screws just snag. Wipe off excess paste that comes out in between.

After installing it back in the car, run the engine for quite some time then touch the module, it should be just warm (not hot).

Amarin.

Thanks Amarin. How long can these reliably go? Mine is about 8 years old. Should I swap in my new spare, or just keep using my old one?

Also, I am guessing I should not use threadlocker on the screws, yes?

How long can these reliably go? Mine is about 8 years old. Should I swap in my new spare, or just keep using my old one?

->These modules will last as long as the car. Unless its been subjected to overheating (old paste dries out and flakes off the joining seams). And as long as you keep using the ignition coil designed for it the module will last. The current going thru the primary side of the coil is designed to match with the module. Whereas aftermarket high performance coils (those with primary resistance lower than 0.6 ohms) tend to run these modules hot. Thus risk shortening its life. I doubt it makes any difference if you swap new module in (as long as it is Bosch).


Also, I am guessing I should not use threadlocker on the screws, yes?
-> Its optional. Had never encountered loose screws all these years even without threadlocker.

Amarin.