I noticed that on my 85 model chevy block that the threads in the block don't go all the way through, and that it would run down in with the coolant possibly? I'm guessing i would need some kind of sealant to put on the threads besides loctite. Please help!

 

yes, u need sealant on the head bolts. U can buy the fancy Teflon sealer from ARP or even the stuff on the shelf at auto parts stores. But its all Teflon white paste sealant which u can buy in small tubes at the hardware store plumbing section for a buck.

With out sealant on the head bolts u will have coolant in the oil in short time. Good catch.

 

 

Permatex also has a good sealant that resists high temps. Just don't overcoat the bolt with it or may have false torque readings.

 

OK! so i've got a white paste but its actually just pipe dope. Just like you put on pipe threads. Is that what your talking about??

 

As long as it says Teflon sealant yes.

 

I would stick with a high temp high pressure thread sealant rather than hardware grade. I've always used permatex high temp in the big white tube. Think I've done 3 small blocks and there's still some left.

Oh and all small block head bolts are exposed to coolant.

 

The "pipe dope" you get at the hardware store, to put on your bathroom sink and such, will NOT last long in an engine. Right general kind of stuff, but not sufficiently robust.

Use the "hi temp automotive thread sealant w Teflon" hanging on cards in the Sealer section of yer favorite local parts store.

No need to worry about torque readings, as far as the sealer, which is a lubricant, affecting them: just don't over-torque anything. That means, on head bolts, DO NOT use a "clicker" type of wrench, use a dial or beam type instead; and tighten the bolts in increments, say 35 - 45 - 60 ft-lbs WHILE MOVING, not "breakaway" (when they START moving) which is why NOT to use a clicker; and then once you get them to 60 WHILE MOVING, go back over them all in order and re-tighten them to 60 WHILE MOVING until all take more than 60 to turn WHILE MOVING after they've STARTED moving (i.e. IGNORE what it takes to make then "breakaway".... again, why NOT to use a "clicker"). Don't go over 65. Assuming this is a small block... if it's a big block, they want to be about 70 instead of 60, but NOT above 75

 

Awesome.. thanks for information buddy.