head bolts

snook3000 · Jan 29, 2010

52 n,I rebuilt engine.started up fine got 40 # oil pressure .Problem is I bought new head bolts and water is coming out of one thats in water jacket.I didn't put any sealer on threads ,But will.DO the bolts help seal the top portion through the head supposing the new ones are a bit smaller.They were supposed the be exact size but I pulled one and they arn't.,Also would a soft set dope work as a sealer.I can tell its leaking into exhaust manifold I hear it sizzle.also what is normal operating temp not under load.thanks all

old · Jan 29, 2010

Some of the head bolts as do some of the manifold studs go into the water jacket of that flat head engine and do in fact need a sealer on them to hold well. Yes when new and all was as it should be it may or may not have needed it but after 50 plus years a sealer is a good thing.. Also after you have pulled the head to replace a head gasket after you have warmed it up you need to re-torque the bolts or you will blow the head gasket in a short time

snook3000 · Jan 29, 2010

thanks for the info old.Whats a good type of sealer to use.I have some gas tight sealer for liquid and gas also good for heat.

old · Jan 29, 2010

Most any good sealer will work but my self I use silicone because it seals well but is also easy to remove the bolts/studs if need be. I prefer something that seals but does not lock things in so tight as to cause them to brake if you have to remove them again

huntingreen2day · Jan 30, 2010

I used that blue silicone on my race car engine on the header bolts that went in to the water jacket. It worked very well.

head bolts

snook3000

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