'68 289 - Head bolts - RTV? Oil?

[GoodysGotaCuda]

When reinstalling headbolts on a 289 is there any sealant required? or just oil the threads?

Thanks-

 

[TOM B]

IF THE HOLES GO INTO A WATER JACKET then use a sealant, if not then just use a dab of oil

 

[woodsnake]

I'm pretty sure(100 %) that the head bolts do not go into a water jacket.
If they are the old bolts being re-used, a light coat of oil won't hurt. If they are an aftermarket/ ARP then I believe they go in dry.

 

[rbohm]

a little oil on the bolts, new or old, will give you the proper torque reading.

 

[D.Hearne]

No sealer on the older, pre roller blocks for the head bolts.

 

[Decurion]

If they are an aftermarket/ ARP then I believe they go in dry.

Yikes! Any head bolt, ARP I know for sure, should have at least oil on it or better yet a moly lube. Just remember to adjust torque spec accordingly. A dry bolt will have less clamping force than the same bolt at the same torque with moly lube because of the friction between the threads. If you use moly lube use the low end of the torque spec.