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Best thread sealant for Head Gasket bolts...

  • Thread starter Thread starter MikeR351w
  • Start date Start date Mar 21, 2009

MikeR351w

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#1
  • Mar 21, 2009
  • #1
I am in the process of replacing my drivers side head gasket. The gasket itself did not go bad, I just had to remove the head b/c I broke a bolt off in it

Does anyone swear by a particular brand or type of thread sealant for the lower bolts? I bought new bolts from Autozone (Fel Pro) to put on too.

Also, any tips or suggestions for this job??? I dont want to screw it up b/c I am installing a Vortech V-1 blower after its all done...


THANKS!!!

Mike
 

TomCat

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#2
  • Mar 22, 2009
  • #2
I used stuff from ARP, their bolts too. No issues here
 

Rick 91GT

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#3
  • Mar 22, 2009
  • #3
After having issues a few years back with ARP teflon sealer my ARP tech told me to use Permatex, since then I have never had an issues on any customers cars. I like to let it set-up overnight before starting, unlike the ARP teflon the Permatex sets up.
 

mob

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#4
  • Jul 13, 2009
  • #4
Bringing this thread back from the dead but didnt want to start another thread, we just got this stuff at our work by permatex just called thread sealer. It has no other information though doesnt say teflon or anything on it, its white like tooth paste, you guys think this will work fine for head bolts? And you can reuse ARP head bolts correct?
 

dcstang67

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#5
  • Jul 13, 2009
  • #5
I have always used Ultra Black RTV and never had any problems with it.
 

white 89 GT

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Jul 13, 2009
#6
  • Jul 13, 2009
  • #6
mob said:
Bringing this thread back from the dead but didnt want to start another thread, we just got this stuff at our work by permatex just called thread sealer. It has no other information though doesnt say teflon or anything on it, its white like tooth paste, you guys think this will work fine for head bolts? And you can reuse ARP head bolts correct?
Click to expand...

I hope you can reuse them, I have been.
 

90lxcoupe

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#7
  • Jul 13, 2009
  • #7
you cant reuse any head bolts, they stretch when you torque them, ive always been under the impression that studs are the only thing that can be re-used.

Friend of myne reused head bolts and tore the threads right out of his block
 

nisreo

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#8
  • Jul 13, 2009
  • #8
A friend of mine( old timer) swears by permatex indian head gasket shellac compo PN#20539und
 

lincoln+ford

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#9
  • Jul 13, 2009
  • #9
nisreo said:
A friend of mine( old timer) swears by permatex indian head gasket shellac compo PN#20539und
Click to expand...

that sutff is the **** when doing waterpump gaskets.
 

Rick 91GT

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Nov 29, 1999
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Jul 13, 2009
#10
  • Jul 13, 2009
  • #10
Yes the ARP bolts are re-usable, usually 2-3 times before they stretch to far for spec.

There are a few different white paste teflon based sealers from Permatex. What number is it? The Red lettered is not hardening the blue lettering is hardening from what I remember...that is off the top of my head. It is basically the same as the ARP thread sealant. I still prefer Ultra Black or the Right Stuff.
 

jrichker

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#11
  • Jul 13, 2009
  • #11
My choice is Teflon pipe dope from Home Dept. It is inexpensive, doesn't leak and the Teflon has some anti seize and lubricating qualities that are helpful in getting an even bolt torque on all the lower head bolts.
 

mob

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#12
  • Jul 13, 2009
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Rick 91GT said:
Yes the ARP bolts are re-usable, usually 2-3 times before they stretch to far for spec.

There are a few different white paste teflon based sealers from Permatex. What number is it? The Red lettered is not hardening the blue lettering is hardening from what I remember...that is off the top of my head. It is basically the same as the ARP thread sealant. I still prefer Ultra Black or the Right Stuff.
Click to expand...

I will have to check but i believe it is the red lettering on the front. I'll have to get the part number. You guys just use black silicone on the bolts? That's probably the easiest route since everyone has to have a bottle of this in there garage. I may just stop by home depot though and pick up some of that pipe dope that Joe mentioned, thats what we used last time on my heads and didnt have a problem.
 
B

BYRDPE

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#13
  • Jul 14, 2009
  • #13
I've used black RTV with zero issues so far.

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