Tapping the treads for the head bolts.

[evil666]

This is my first time putting heads back on the car and I don't know if this is a stupid question but here it is. I just want to know if I should put oil (10w30) on the tap when I tap the treads in the block for the head bolts or is the oil on the treads going to affect the torque reading? Is the best way to tap it dry to get the best torque results?

Sorry again if this is a stupid question but I would really like to know the anwser to this, thanks for any help.

Marco

86 Grand National t-top (59900km)
stock long block,stock suspension, red stripe convertor, te44, smc alk injection, 24lbs boost, 94 octane, hooker cat back with dyno max ultra flow muffers, tomco 30lbs injectors, dynotech stage 4 street chip, thdp, mease 24 row IC, Ron Custom max boost brake module, MT drag radials (275/50/15) 3800lbs race weight with driver. (Torque convertor not locked)
BEST E/T
60FT=1.52
1/8= 7.38
I/4= 11.74
MPH=113
BEST MPH= 114

 

[Jerryl]

This is my first time putting heads back on the car and I don't know if this is a stupid question but here it is. I just want to know if I should put oil (10w30) on the tap when I tap the treads in the block for the head bolts or is the oil on the treads going to affect the torque reading? Is the best way to tap it dry to get the best torque results?

Without trying to insult your intelligence;
Tapping the threads in the block is obviously done for "cleaning purposes".
The reason to do this is to remove the old "thread sealant and corrosion" to get the head bolts to an accurate torque specs. There is therefore not an issue with a torque reading on the tap. There is no need to oil the tap and if you do this, you may want to clean the oil out to for the seal with the thread sealant (read below).

When you get ready to bolt the head back in place, just coat the bolt threads with the "thread sealant", and, lightly coat the head of the bolt with 30W oil. The oil will reduce the friction where the bolt head contacts the head and get you the torque setting that has been specified with the oil.

 

[evil666]

Thanks alot for your help and advice Jerryl. Do I put the sealant on all the treads or just on a few at the bottom of the bolt.

Marco

 

[Jerryl]

Thanks alot for your help and advice Jerryl. Do I put the sealant on all the treads or just on a few at the bottom of the bolt.

Marco

I smear it around 4-6 threads at the beginning of the bolt and use the "Loctite" brand high temp thread sealant.

 

[CTX-SLPR]

use a thread cleaner, not a tap!!!! you don't need to be loosing anymore thread material. Summit has a cheap set though I perfer my Craftsmen.