Installing heads, Advice Please, PLEASE...

[Raymond Bunch]

I have done a search for the last couple of hours and am bumb founded in regards to what sealant I should use for my head studs. There are so many opinions and my head is full, so can someone please give me some bullet proof advice as to which head sealant I should use? Thanks.

Here are some of what I found in search of the ultimate head stud sealant. I am re-using my ARP head studs and using the new 9441 H/G's. Again thanks for your help. Here they are.....

1. 271 Red Lock Tight
2. Permatex 2a or 2b
3. permatex Ultra Black
4. Lock tight Teflon Sealer
5. GM Brush On Sealer

So many choices, what has been proven to work? Also, I will be using the GM Sealant Tablets for that added bit of security.

 

[simple]

i'm not sure about TR's but when i built my LT1, i just used good ole teflon tape on the blue reel....absolutely no issues with it

oh and cleanliness is key when its all torn down!!!

 

[speedfreakv6]

i use lock tight teflon sealer works fine for my g.n. .red lock tight is good also .call conleys ask them what they use .good luck

 

[PhilM]

u can use teflon liquid, i think no. 2 permatex (the non hardening one), etc... If you use head studs, it doesnt matter that much, as long as it seals. When you run bolts, it has to be a consistent liquid so torque #'s are similar.

Phil

 

[Raymond Bunch]

Thanks Fella's For Your Replies

I will probably go ahead and use the Permatex #2. I was being a little proactive and just bought it one day. Happy to hear this is recommened by others. Thanks!

Also, with the FELPRO H/G, should I coat them or just put them on dry?

Raymond

 

[Chris McDade]

Red Permatex # 2 will work just fine.

 

[Raymond Bunch]

Chris

Red Permatex # 2 will work just fine.

I know you've been around for quite sometime, should i coat the 9441 H/G with any type of sealant/copper spray etc? Thanks.

Raymond

 

[Chris McDade]

Raymond,
I would say no, but I have never used those head gaskets. I've always used steel shimed head gaskets and I do coat those. I use the RJC head gasket kit and it work awsome.

 

[sweetv6]

Dont forget to stretch your stud 6 times before install
30 50 80

IMO

Claude

 

[Raymond Bunch]

Red Permatex # 2 will work just fine.

Chris,

Actually I just went out and bought two of the permatex Red #2. I think this is best after I did a little more re-search on it. Thanks!

 

[PhilM]

Hhaaha, it probably dont even matter man... gorilla glue would probably work!

ain tno thing but a chiken wing!

 

[gnsrule]

I motion Ultra Black or Red. If teflon tape, paste or whatever name is on the teflon is a sealer, how come nothing sticks to it ?
Ultra Blue works ok too, a little on the thin side tho. Harder to make a good tall bead like for the valey pan rails.
Stay away from #2. Thats that slimey **** that ,IMO, works like crap.
My s2 block I'm building came w/ the studs Red Locktited in. Thats a new one on me but I guess if Ultimate sealing is wanted, that would be it. It took 4 hours and a case of beer to get them out. I hope I never have to do that again.
Just my o2's.
Good Luck
Craig

 

[Raymond Bunch]

Thanks for the help fella's

I will just stay with the red lock tight for now. Hopefully it won't be a pain in the U know what if I ever had to take them out.

Still, does anyone know forsure if I need to use some sort of sealant for the 9441 head gaskets? This is about the only thing that is preventing me from putting this engine back together right now.

Thanks again for your help.

Raymond

 

[Raymond Bunch]

Hhaaha, it probably dont even matter man... gorilla glue would probably work!

ain tno thing but a chiken wing!

 

[S2V6RACER]

Dip them in Bars leak before install.

 

[49-blues]

How about the arp teflon thread sealant for studs- is this stuff any good?any issues with this stuff?

 

[Ttype6]

I will just stay with the red lock tight for now. Hopefully it won't be a pain in the U know what if I ever had to take them out.

Still, does anyone know forsure if I need to use some sort of sealant for the 9441 head gaskets? This is about the only thing that is preventing me from putting this engine back together right now.

Thanks again for your help.

Raymond

You said in an earlier post that you would probably go with Permatex 2A. Do it. This stuff has been around forever. There's nothing better. Coolant won't leak past it. I also use it on the water pump/timing cover bolts that go into water. Don't use a thread locker. Install your head gaskets dry. Don't use any kind of coating.

 

[Raymond Bunch]

Thanks!

You said in an earlier post that you would probably go with Permatex 2A. Do it. This stuff has been around forever. There's nothing better. Coolant won't leak past it. I also use it on the water pump/timing cover bolts that go into water. Don't use a thread locker. Install your head gaskets dry. Don't use any kind of coating.

Sounds good!

Man I guess I should have stayed with my gutt instinct in the first place huh I will also put the 9441's on like you recommend. This is my first time with these engine, so I just wanted to make sure. Going to the garage now and thanks again.

Raymond

 

[Raymond Bunch]

Dip them in Bars leak before install.

What the hay is Bars Leak?....Now your really confusing me

 

[PhilM]

Wow, you guys are confusing this poor fella

Listen man, between me and my brother, we've probably done over 100 rebuilds, builds, HG replacements, etc... and we've either used No2 or the teflon thread sealer. Not once has any of those engines leaked at the headbolt thread. Personally, i wouldnt use locktite if it is the locking type, no need for it. Only time we coat a gasket is a cometic (with hylamar) or the steel shims to seal the water jackets (silicone). done deal - get out there and fix that thing!

Phil