keep those head bolts and studs from leaking coolant

grumpyvette

Administrator
Staff member
guys! Ive YET to have a single stud or bolt leak!

its simple! run a tap thru the threads, test screw the clean/dry stud by hand to verify no clearance or binding then ,clean them and dry the threads on the block and studs,before you start the assembly, and just dip the total threaded surface on the lower studs course thread end of the stud that screws into the block into the correct sealant. spin it in your fingers slowly as you move the stud to the hole in the block to keep from dripping sealant on the deck,
thread it into the block full depth , back it out a 1/2 turn and let it set up for a few minutes before assembling the head gaskets and heads,but assemble the heads while the sealants still fresh/liquid, torque too spec and let the engine set for a few hours (preferably over night)when installing a copper head gasket be sure to put on two wet even coats on both sides of the head gasket and install and torque while the copper coat sprays still damp

http://www.devcon.com/products/products ... milyID=386

http://www.jag-lovers.org/xk-lovers/lib ... skets.html

http://www.ekag1.de/pdf/1_motorschaden/ ... den_en.pdf

the stuff works far more relieably than most thread pastes or thread sealants, it cleans ,off fingers with a scotchbrite pad and gas or alcohol,....provided you have not let it set up on your skin very long, once its started too dry ...good luck

YES it works on BOLTS ALSO

OLD POST COVERS THAT INFO


I can,t believe the stuff I see at times..in the car mags that are SUPPOSED to be articles composed by guys who know what they are doing!!!!!!!
I picked up a copy of one of the more comon, chevy based magazines and theres PICTURES of a guy dipping head bolts in yellow weather strip adhesive to be used as a thread sealant on the bolt threads (its not designed to come in direct contact with oil and/or high heat coolant),and its not going to give the correct tq readings either, and on the next page the guys gooping, GOBS of clear silicone like youll use to seal aquariums or bathroom fixtures 1/4 thick on/around the intake manifold ports, NEITHER SEALANT is DESIGNED FOR or is LIKELY to perform correctly IN EITHER APPLICATION, and WHERE does this guy think all that excess silicone will go once the intakes torqued down????
theres only two high probabilitys, it will flow into the port where it will eventually harden and get sucked into the cylinders or it may hang there causing a restriction in the port, or if it flows down, it gets into the lifter gallery where its eventually going to get into the oil pump pick up screen, restricting or blocking oil flow
i would not let these guys fix a flat tire let alone work on MY ENGINES all I can do is shake my head and wonder who if ANYONE screens these articles

always use the manufacturers suggested installation instructions, as some applications or gasket types REQUIRE differant lubes or sealants but heres a rought guide


head bolts #5, dip clean dry thread in

http://www.devcon.com/products/products ... milyID=386

or this
http://www.devcon.com/products/products ... milyid=384

(NOT QUITE AS GOOD BUT STILL OK)

then insert and tq heads in place


head gaskets #3
main bolts #2
rod bolts #2
oil pump stud and nut #4
oil pan bolts #5
oil pan gasket #6
cam spocket bolts #4
timing cover gasket #6
timing cover bolts #1
intake bolts #1
intake gasket #6
thermostat housing bolts #5
thermostat housing gasket (also do you really need it) usually yes #6
Exhaust manifold/header bolts #1
Exhaust manifold/header gaskets #3
Water pump bolts #5
water pump gaskets #6
fuel pump #6
crank/damper bolt #1
Torque converter bolts #4
flywheel/flexplate bolts #4
bellhousing bolts #2

1 antiseize
2 oil or ARP thread lube
3 copper coat spray gasket sealer or apply dry in some cases (see manufactures suggestions)
4 loctite (red or blue depends on application ,read the labels)
5 http://www.devcon.com/products/products ... milyID=386

6 black high temp RTV

use the correct stuff for the application, AND READ & FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS it prevents PROBLEMS

ON OEM BLOCKS the head bolts extend into the coolant passages, not using both an ANODE and a 50% antifreeze coolant mix can result in thread and bolt damage and cylinder wall internal rust weakening the bore wall and reducing thickness, potentially over time causing big problems
boltrust1.jpg

boltrust2.jpg
 
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Re: keep thos head bolts and studs from leaking coolant

IF you still get occasional leaks,...
Im getting the feeling the careful surface preperation and cleaning of the blocks threaded holes and the fasteners being used, durring the assembly process,careful cleaning before applying the thread sealant to the threads and waiting a bit before adding coolant too the block has a bit to do with the results as much as the sealant on the threads itself.
the gasket/thread sealer works when its used correctly
 
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