head bolt thread sealant

[trailblazr81]

So when I first installed my heads I used some ARP thread sealant so the bolts goint into water jackets didnt leak. Now Ive ripped a head off and getting ready to re-install heads but I cant find locally any type of thread sealer. What you guys use? RTV silicone?

 

[b454rat]

Yep, I've used regular ol sillycone....

 

[4X4HIGH]

I use nothing at all but a little oil on the threads so you get a nice torque reading. As long as you're using bolts there won't be any problem, if you're using head studs then that's a whole different story.

If you must use a sealer then use teflon part number 14A made by permatex i believe.

 

[Sandrat]

I use nothing at all but a little oil on the threads so you get a nice torque reading. As long as you're using bolts there won't be any problem, if you're using head studs then that's a whole different story.

If you must use a sealer then use teflon part number 14A made by permatex i believe.

Is this on a SBC or BBC? On big blocks the head bolts all go into water, if you don't seal them they will leak.

 

[trailblazr81]

small block 383 I beleave all the ones under the header go into coolant.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Trust me, as long as you are using bolts and not studs they will not leak even if you don't use sealer. I do this professionally for the last 20 years and have yet to have a head bolt leak.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Is this on a SBC or BBC? On big blocks the head bolts all go into water, if you don't seal them they will leak.

All the gen V and gen VI BBC have blind end head bolt holes, meaning they do not go into water. All the gen IV stuff does however. Just a bit of info for tonight.

 

[ryoken]

I got your back Scott, we've been thru this a few times..

I too, usually just oil head bolts, done dozens of motors that way and have never had an issue... Was taught that many moons ago by a highly reputable engine builder..

Tho I will concede GM does recommend sealant on applications these days.. Not exactly sure when they started that...

 

[Slapperbar]

I use Loctite PST561.

 

[BKinzey]

So if you have studs do you still recommend Permatex 14A?

 

[habitatxskate]

rtv sealant..

 

[big83chevy4x4]

All the gen V and gen VI BBC have blind end head bolt holes, meaning they do not go into water. All the gen IV stuff does however. Just a bit of info for tonight.

my gen 6 454 head bolts go into the coolant, ive heard its the 502 gen 5 and gen 6 that have the blind head bolt holes.

 

[4X4HIGH]

my gen 6 454 head bolts go into the coolant, ive heard its the 502 gen 5 and gen 6 that have the blind head bolt holes.

Hmmm, could be. I can verify that a gen V 502 definately has blind end head bolt holes as i have one sitting in my garage right now. I did however build a gen V 454 a couple years ago and it also had blind end head bolt holes.

 

[big83chevy4x4]

ill have to take some pics of mine while i still have the heads off. i know that most of them go into the passage, some might be blind, i havn't really looked at all of them yet.