I am installing a new set of heads and I would like to get some advice on what works the best to put on the headbolts to seal the headbolts into the block?

Black Hi-Temp RTV works for me.

dshook,

I used pipe sealer with teflon / permatex I got from NAPA auto parts. Here is the part number Item#: BK 7651188 This is what my engine builder told me to use. Hope this helps.

http://www.marinenutz.com/details/prodid/15416.html

http://www.rectorseal.com/index.php?site_id=1&product_id=213 at the Home Depot

Get the good stuff: ARP thread sealer:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+400295+115+4294844684

I use GM Goodwrench part #12346004. I used to use ARP thread sealant, but I couldn't get it to stop seaping through on my head studs. I switched to the GM sealant and presto, no more seapage. Here is a link:
http://www.superchevyperformance.com/Pipe_Sealant_p/12346004.htm

Get the good stuff: ARP thread sealer:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+400295+115+4294844684


Have you actually used this? I have to disagree with calling it the "good stuff". I personally used it and had to remove and reseal all my head studs and I know of several others that had the same luck as I did. The was a few years ago and maybe they have a better formula now but, I will stick to what has always worked for me Permatex High Temp Thread Sealer w/Teflon. Probably the same stuff as listed above with the Napa part number. I've been using it for years and have never had it leak.

I have had the teflon sealer leak on me. I have gone to Permatex Indian Head in brush bottle.

Indina Head Shellac is all Ive ever used and never had a problem. even when I used .015 shim gaskets on an aluminum head.

Another vote for black hi-temp rtv. I've tried others including the arp thread sealer and nothing worked as well as plain old black rtv. I use head studs by the way. Good Luck!

On my Iron heads I bought ARP head bolts and used the ARP thread sealer from Summit Racing. It was their suggested part ARP-100-9904 when you went to the Item. I have had no probems using it.

Get the good stuff: ARP thread sealer:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+400295+115+4294844684

X2:thumbsup:

Works awesome...

I think the key is using a sealer that cures. Stuff that doesn't harden (like the ARP stuff) can let coolant seep through.

"I have gone to Permatex Indian Head in brush bottle."

And..

"Indina Head Shellac is all Ive ever used and never had a problem."

Can't go wrong w/ it, imho too!

pdq67

Have you actually used this? I have to disagree with calling it the "good stuff".

Yep I used it on my engine, and pretty much all the motors built out of my school uses it as well.

Yep I used it on my engine, and pretty much all the motors built out of my school uses it as well.

They must have changed the formula since I last tried it. When I used it, it was a yellowish/white gritty paste (non hardening). Every single head stud and intake bolt leaked. Around the same time (quite a few years ago now) I have a few friends that had similar results. Glad it works for you and it may very well be "good stuff". I will stick to what has worked for me over the years.

Read us again!

Good old Permatex, "Indianhead Shellac gasket Cement" is MADE for this stuff!

It's messy, hard to clean up stuff, BUT it WORKS!!

I've used it on two stacked .020" thick shim headgaskets!!

Make a mess and use plenty of it b/c it's cheap enough.

pdq67

Correct me if I am wrong but I was under the assumption that a sealer for that area has to be flexible and non hardening due to the expansion and contraction of material under heat and load. You have antifreeze that contacts the studs. You have oil that contacts them as well. If you use a sealer that hardens won’t it crack or separate over time ???

I have read a few SBC engine rebuild books and watched a SBC DVD and they always use a teflon sealer. The same sealer is used in the plumbing industry for gas and water pipes.

Correct me if I am wrong but I was under the assumption that a sealer for that area has to be flexible and non hardening due to the expansion and contraction of material under heat and load. You have antifreeze that contacts the studs. You have oil that contacts them as well. If you use a sealer that hardens won’t it crack or separate over time ???

I have read a few SBC engine rebuild books and watched a SBC DVD and they always use a teflon sealer. The same sealer is used in the plumbing industry for gas and water pipes.

You are correct. I think the way we were wording it makes it sound like the other sealers become solid. That's not the case they just become more rubber like, still flexible but, not creamy like when it was applied. The ARP stuff I used didn't firm up at all. The Permatex thread sealer does firm up but, does not get hard.

Read us again!

Good old Permatex, "Indianhead Shellac gasket Cement" is MADE for this stuff!

It's messy, hard to clean up stuff, BUT it WORKS!!

I've used it on two stacked .020" thick shim headgaskets!!

Make a mess and use plenty of it b/c it's cheap enough.

pdq67


According to the Permatex website, Indian Head Shellac is made for hose connections, paper and cardboard gaskets. It says absolutely nothing about head studs or bolts. In fact, I tried it on a seaping stud I had and it didn't seal it. The ONLY thing I got to work was the GM number 12346004. Here is the description straight from the Permatex website.


Permatex® Indian Head® Gasket Shellac Compound
The original quality formula. Hard setting, economical sealant. Seals all common gasketing materials in low temperature and low pressure applications. Temperature range -65°F to 350°F (-54°C to 177°C); resists diesel fuels and most shop fluids.

Suggested Applications: Hose connections, paper and cardboard gaskets

No one has mentioned 'Coppercoat'.. which I've always used without problems. The only thing you have to do is *remember* to dip the head bolt threads in it before installing *G*

I don't care what Permatex say's, I've used the stuff on everything fine through the years!

From homemade back of writing tablet cardboard gaskets to stacked steel shim headgaskets to head bolts!

And even in wet water pump bolt holes too!

Please use what you feel that works for you, but as for myself, I will use Indianhead!

pdq67