Head Stud leaks after installation

[Steve Wood]

The Radius Kid sent me this link from Loctite. It may explain why so many have problems with head stud leaks after installation. Note the time required for curing for Locktite 567

Thanks, R/K!

http://www.smallparts.com/HTML Product pages/AL.htm

 

[GNVAIR]

Steve, I have ARP head studs on the engine in our Monte SS.
When I assembled it, I used that gooey red high tack style sealant as that is what I had best luck with in the past. We have put probably about 1,000 miles on it so far and it runs good, has no coolant in the oil. What I did notice when I had it up on the lift a few weeks back was a dried trail of some liquid running from below the passengerside cylinder head to the oil pan. I have been keeping an eye on it and have not seen any other leaks. But that is the most I can report with the use of head studs. I have used them on other Ford and Chevy engines with good results. DO you have them on any of your cars?

 

[Nashty]

That's why I use red RTV. I've never had a leak.

 

[Steve Wood]

Yes, have them on one of my cars and have used them on sbc/bbc's. I have never had a problem.

I always let the rtv set over night....when I use it on the intake, etc. The teflon works very well, but it also requires some cure time. I used to use the Permatex Aviation sealer...but, once you knock a can of that on to the floor when it is open, you will always hate it!

 

[The Radius Kid]

All this talk about sealants begs another question:
What happens to your torque readings when you use something other than liquid teflon on the studs?
Liquid Teflon uses a form of Cyanoacrylate for a binding and hardening agent to set itself up.
But it acts as a lubricant for torqueing the fasteners.
Does the use of say RTV change the required torque readings?
BTW,even RTV requires *some* curing time.