Steel bolts into aluminum?

[493 Mike]

Hi fellas,
What product/treatment is correct or best to use when fastening parts to aluminum engine blocks?
Mike

 

[miller]

Aluminum block needs to be fitted with STUDS.
Only was to consider using a bolt in an aluminum block, is if the bolt hole has a helicoil in it, that depending on it's location.

 

[MOPOWER871]

Mike, what block? are we talking head bolts/studs? or oil pan rail ,water pump.... if your going into a water jacket I use loctite 565,thread sealant/lubracant.
for heads on an aluminum bock use a head stud (ARP). Bolts only if heli coiled, aluminum blocks have deeper threads and require a longer stud . nickle based anti seize is best if holes are not wet. spark plugs in aluminum heads a little dab will do ya.I like to use studs when ever applicable.
Mike heres some good info on anti seize for reading pleasure. good luck .www.antiseize.com/PDFs/how-to-choose-an-antiseize.pdf

 

[493 Mike]

Mike, what block? are we talking head bolts/studs? or oil pan rail ,water pump.... if your going into a water jacket I use loctite 565,thread sealant/lubracant.
for heads on an aluminum bock use a head stud if possible (ARP)so your not working the threads and follow the manufactures recommendation for torque values with oil or molly thread lubricants.
every think else use a good nickle based anti seize is best . spark plugs in aluminum heads a little dab will do ya.I like to use studs when ever applicable.
Mike heres some good info on anti seize for reading pleasure. good luck .www.antiseize.com/PDFs/how-to-choose-an-antiseize.pdf

I pulled the oil pump off my new Indy block (secured with Allen head bolts) for modification of the cover and wondered what technique was best for reassembly. I believe the engine builder used maybe a thread locker, due to the residue in the threads ( have not contacted Muscle Motors yet). I have always used anti seize on spark plugs in aluminum due to the heat they endure. Other areas do not get so hot, so I have seen some recommend 30 weight motor oil with FSM torque specs and others a reduced torque amount with various lubricants/sealants. Thanks.
Mike

 

[lewtot184]

Aluminum block needs to be fitted with STUDS.
Only was to consider using a bolt in an aluminum block, is if the bolt hole has a helicoil in it, that depending on it's location.

if possible this is best.

 

[miller]

Guess I'll dummy up on the heads, since I've never fooled with V8 aluminum heads. Don't the spark plug holes have a steel threaded insert in them? Or, are those threads actually aluminum?
Same deal on the intake bolt locations in the heads...studs sure won't work.
Lol, sorry guys, still got those round motors still bouncing around.

 

[dvw]

Guess I'll dummy up on the heads, since I've never fooled with V8 aluminum heads. Don't the spark plug holes have a steel threaded insert in them? Or, are those threads actually aluminum?
Same deal on the intake bolt locations in the heads...studs sure won't work.
Lol, sorry guys, still got those round motors still bouncing around.

Heads are seldom fitted with thread inserts. I have them installed for my bed plate for the rockers. But that was due to offsetting it on the head.
Doug

 

[PRND21]

X2 on using studs especially if it has to be taken apart occasionally. If not I use stainless steel bolts with silver anti- seize compound. Remember torque ratings are different for aluminum components.

 

[Cranky]

Guess I'll dummy up on the heads, since I've never fooled with V8 aluminum heads. Don't the spark plug holes have a steel threaded insert in them? Or, are those threads actually aluminum?
Same deal on the intake bolt locations in the heads...studs sure won't work.
Lol, sorry guys, still got those round motors still bouncing around.

Didn't notice any inserts in the spark plugs holes on my Eddy heads but I like to use studs in as many places as I can. Round motors.....uh, radials? And what's the population of Tom Bean?

 

[bm02tj]

Look up galvanic action

 

[coloradodave]

Mike, what block? are we talking head bolts/studs? or oil pan rail ,water pump.... if your going into a water jacket I use loctite 565,thread sealant/lubracant.
for heads on an aluminum bock use a head stud (ARP). Bolts only if heli coiled, aluminum blocks have deeper threads and require a longer stud . nickle based anti seize is best if holes are not wet. spark plugs in aluminum heads a little dab will do ya.I like to use studs when ever applicable.
Mike heres some good info on anti seize for reading pleasure. good luck .www.antiseize.com/PDFs/how-to-choose-an-antiseize.pdf

Thanks for taking the time to post that info...

 

[493 Mike]

hey guys,
Thanks for the responses. I used 30 w motor oil on the pump to block bolts and torqued to factory 35# spec.

 

[miller]

Didn't notice any inserts in the spark plugs holes on my Eddy heads but I like to use studs in as many places as I can. Round motors.....uh, radials? And what's the population of Tom Bean?

Guess it's just me...cannot picture putting sparky plugs into aluminum threads...must be my warped way of thinkin'! But, admit I've never took a good look at any V8 aluminum heads.

Yeah on the round motors (and all that lovely horsepower!!!), OHCed both Wrights and (ugh) Pratts. Mainly R-1820s, 1830s, 2600s, 2800s. Just under 20 years. Some called me 'Prattman', since I hated working on 'em.

Tom Bean? Not for sure...maybe 2-3 thou., just a wild guess.

493 Mike...good luck on that motor!!

 

[dvw]

What is a "sparky plug"? Really? Look at a production head, they are all aluminum. None have thread inserts.
Doug

 

[miller]

What is a "sparky plug"? Really?

Yeah, really. Got my own ways.
Good to hear on the aluminum heads...