Head Bolt Problem/Question

[Danman765432]

I just realized that when I was doing my head bolts I forgot to put thread sealant on the lower ones. Would it be ok if I pull them out one by one and put thread sealant on them and then put them back in to 70 ft/lbs of torque? Or would I need new gaskets? Also is permetex high temp thread sealant good for this?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Grn92LX]

That will be fine doing it 1 by 1. That sealent will work fine too.

 

[Rick 91GT]

Use the Permatex Ultra Black or the High Temp silicone, the liquid Teflon tends to allow them to seap......that is straight from ARP even with their Teflon sealant.

 

[Grn92LX]

How much does the silicone change the torque specs?

 

[vikingpower]

I would recommend not using Ultra Black, I'm pretty sure using it to seal the lower head bolts is what eventually lead to both of my head gaskets failing. My head manufacturer recommends thread sealer (which is what I failed to notice the first time).
When I pulled my engine apart again recently the head gaskets were in perfect condition.

 

[Rick 91GT]

The Permatex info came straight from the tech at ARP. I am an engine builder and used their sealants exclusive until I had some lower studs seap on a few motors, this is after all the proper standard prep procedures. After a few calls and some frustration the ARP tech told me it is a known issue and they recommend using the Permtex over the TEFLON sealer, and use the same ARP tq values.

I made that switch over 2 years ago and have yet to have a single issue or leak.

 

[Danman765432]

yeah I have the high temp (red) Permtex at my house so that is what ill be using. Thanks Rick.

-Dan