• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

'68 289 - Head bolts - RTV? Oil?

  • Thread starter Thread starter GoodysGotaCuda
  • Start date Start date Jul 30, 2008
G

GoodysGotaCuda

New Member
May 7, 2006
17
0
0
Jul 30, 2008
#1
  • Jul 30, 2008
  • #1
When reinstalling headbolts on a 289 is there any sealant required? or just oil the threads?

Thanks-
 
T

TOM B

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 15, 2002
872
1
16
67
Harrisburg Pa
Jul 30, 2008
#2
  • Jul 30, 2008
  • #2
IF THE HOLES GO INTO A WATER JACKET then use a sealant, if not then just use a dab of oil
 

woodsnake

15 Year Member
Jan 16, 2007
1,352
15
69
Hicksville, NY
Aug 1, 2008
#3
  • Aug 1, 2008
  • #3
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

Founding Member
Apr 12, 2002
6,698
550
204
67
tucson,az
Aug 1, 2008
#4
  • Aug 1, 2008
  • #4
a little oil on the bolts, new or old, will give you the proper torque reading.
 
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Aug 2, 2008
#5
  • Aug 2, 2008
  • #5
No sealer on the older, pre roller blocks for the head bolts.
 

Decurion

Member
Sep 28, 2006
353
0
16
Livonia, MI
Aug 2, 2008
#6
  • Aug 2, 2008
  • #6
woodsnake said:
If they are an aftermarket/ ARP then I believe they go in dry.
Click to expand...

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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
First post 289 rebuild question!
  • Ddyer2868
  • Nov 24, 2025
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Replies
3
Views
275
Classic Mustang Specific Tech Dec 5, 2025
rednotch
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
933
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
SBF rebuild with no oil pressure NEED HELP
  • Falcon67
  • May 27, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
317
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- May 27, 2025
horse sence
S
1965 289 xmission
  • sctang
  • Nov 15, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
206
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Nov 30, 2025
Mcmahst
J
'04 3.8L V6 mineral deposits and oil on #3 cylinder. Does it need a rebuild or something simpler?
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 18, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
297
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Jul 24, 2026
gkomo
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?