GM/Delco DIS Coils and ICM: Which Grease?

[outrun]

I have done some reading and am confused. Do I need dielectric grease between the bottom of the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and the base plate it sits on? Some credible sources are saying that heat transfer grease is that which is really needed. I also understand an automotive grade grease should be used and not the paste type used on sheltered desktop CPUs

Source two below is well written and recommends heat transfer grease.

The ICM is the classical D1977A AC Delco part number and design with three D555 coils on top. Even though there have been millions of 3800 and 3.8 engine produced here is a photo just in case. I mean not to insult anyone's intelligence either.

http://padgett.performanceresearch.us/cars/coils.htm

http://home.comcast.net/~fierocave/gmdis.htm

 

[moklock]

I normally used the white CPU heatsink type grease between the module and bracket. I just always thought it was better stuff than that clear tube of grease the modules at least used to come with.

It must at least be somewhat OK for automotive use as I used to just buy it from a parts store that carried it in their Borg-Warner ign parts.

 

[outrun]

I have a question then. Is the purpose of the grease for electrical insulation or thermal transfer purpose ... or both?

 

[moklock]

It would have to be heat transfer as the back of the ICM is still grounded to its mounting plate when bolted down.

 

[mechtech2]

Dielectric grease is not what you use here. That's for light sockets and plug connections.
Heat transfer sauce is what you want.

 

[Trav]

+1 I use Arctic silver, it can be had from Radio Shack for about $10

 

[bigmike]

Wow.. Arctic silver has an automotive use? That's pretty neat. I used to use that on CPUs all the time. Trick was to spread it so thin you still could see the etchings clearly on the CPU. I used a razor blade for that.