Coolant leaking from lower head studs!!

[88GThatchback]

I just build a 347 with AFR 185 heads and ARP studs. This is my first engine build so I knew something would go wrong. Ive been leaking coolant and couldnt figure out where it was coming from. I finally found that atleast 3 of the lower head studs are leaking coolant! When I put the studs in the block, I used ARP thread sealer. Im thinking that since everyone recommends using it, I must have done something wrong. I must have not used enough of it or somthing? If that is the case, can I remove one bolt at a time, apply the sealer, then retorque, and do the next bolt? I really dont want to pull the intake off again if I dont have to.

Thanks,
Clay

 

[jrichker]

Use teflon pipe dope from Home Depot on thge lower bolt threads. You can remove the bolts one at a time and then re-install them after applying the pipe dope.

 

[troyGT03]

i built racing engines for about four years professionally. all bolts/studs that entered the block into water passages got a treatment of clear silicone/rtv. this worked on stock rebuids up to 1300hp+ motors. you sqiurted some on a piece of cardboard and rolled the threads into it ans installed. but everything was clean and dry when installing on an engine stand. a good teflon based pipe dope works good also.

 

[Modular2v]

my did the same thing on my 331 build up....i ended up pulling the heads back off

 

[Rick 91GT]

I've had a few sets of ARP head studs do the same thing to me, and I build motors professionally. It seems it can be hit or miss for what ever reason and it is wide spread in the industry. A lot of guys use the silicone as stated above, as well as grey Permatex. I still like to use the ARP stuff, but I put a little in the threads on the block (only when the heads are removed) with a screw driver first then put some on the stud and install them, this way you are not pushing it all out of the threads.

As stated above you can change and reseal them one at a time, you will need to drain the cooling system by pulling the lower hose from the radiator or use the draincock, and it is best to pull the coolant passage plugs on the block or coolant will come out of the head when you pull the bolt out.