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Header bolts leaking fluid

62440

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Mile 1 back in the garage and l find 3 small puddles of antifreeze on the floor. I remember reading about this awhile back and the recommended fix was replacing the bolts with studs and using the Red Permatex RTV Silicone. I'm wondering why studs would be better for sealing than bolts. Any tips appreciated
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The originals were studs. I would imagine the sealer isn't disturbed when the nuts are tightened or removed. Just a smarter way to do it.
 
If you are talking about a Big Block, then all exhaust bolt holes go to water. That is why the factory used studs. Put studs back in, and use either ARP Teflon thread sealant, or lock-tite. Do NOT use RTV to seal them as it won't work. As other people read and post, they will disagree, but while it might have worked for them, there is a right and wrong method of sealing. RTV is definitely in the "Wrong" column.
 
I think I'll put studs in the four corners after l clean the threads and Sock the RTV to them. Fingers Crossed
 
If you are talking about a Big Block, then all exhaust bolt holes go to water. That is why the factory used studs. Put studs back in, and use either ARP Teflon thread sealant, or lock-tite. Do NOT use RTV to seal them as it won't work. As other people read and post, they will disagree, but while it might have worked for them, there is a right and wrong method of sealing. RTV is definitely in the "Wrong" column.
Just saw this ,,,, what's wrong with RTV and yes it's a Big Block
 
The RTV sealants are not the best for threads. The white/teflon thread sealant or one of the Permatex non hardening sealers (I still like the smell) work the best on standard or tapered/pipe threads.
 
I agree with using studs rather than bolts. The proper studs will have a bit of a shoulder on them and that helps in sealing. FWIW I've had good results with Permatex High Temperature THREAD SEALANT.
studs for headers on big block as well? would you use all studs on the engine?
 
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The RTV sealants are not the best for threads. The white/teflon thread sealant or one of the Permatex non hardening sealers (I still like the smell) work the best on standard or tapered/pipe threads.

Silicone sealants are for rain gutters! Why would you use something like rtv where it would be subject to 500 degrees?

Permatex #2 for the 100th time.
 
studs for headers on big block as well? would you use all studs on the engine?

I have stock manifolds on my big blocks, but if I were using headers yes personally I would use studs if at all possible. I've had several people with Mopar big blocks complain that their header bolts leak coolant. I make suggestions, some listen and some don't.
But that's not to say one can't use bolts with their headers and not have leaks. But I personally believe studs work best.
 
I think that the studs are the best solution, you don't have to remove them to take the headers off for any reason.
But most of all, as mentioned, the center shoulder (unthreaded part) will help seal against the cylinder head.
Currently my headers are installed with bolts, which i used permatex sealant on and have no leaks.
When i will get the chance i will need to do some thread repairs and use studs as well.
 
Check your clearances and realize studs may not allow you enouheaders to get the header off. TTI says studs won't clear on some of their headers.
 
I picked this up today along with 4 studs for the 4 corners that are leaking. I've been have serious problems with vertigo lately so when that settles down I'll get back on it. Thanks for all the replies.

Did you read the reviews?
 
What head castings do you have? I have two sets of 1963 castings that have only the two end bolt holes going into the water jacket.
I would seal your end four bolts, then pull out one of the other bolts and see if it goes into water.
 
I'm wondering why studs would be better for sealing than bolts.
On studs, as long as they fit right, are put in and never moved. Bolts can loosen, even with a sealer on them, and leaks.
I've always used studs, with Indianhead Shellac, on the threads that go into the heads. Put a note on it, though...studs need a decent fit into the heads. If threads in the heads are over-size, studs are already loose.
On my 906 heads, that was the case...time to operate! Helicoils, all around, installed with a good sealer, before studs were mounted.
 
I have 906 heads. My memory isn't the best, but l might have put a heli-coil in the back passenger side. Still has nothing to do with the other 3 leaking.
What head castings do you have? I have two sets of 1963 castings that have only the two end bolt holes going into the water jacket.
I would seal your end four bolts, then pull out one of the other bolts and see if it goes into water.
 
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