Loctite on head bolts?

[JamesP]

I followed the crowd and used the ARP sealer & ARP thread lube, good stuff - remember that this will impact the torque required to tighten down the bolts - you need to follow the instructions.

James

[JohnWoodman]

If I remember correctly "Dave Vizard's" SBC rebuild book recommended thread sealant for the head bolts as they do enter the water jackets.

Cheers
John

[colinb]

From memory i think in his book he mentions plane old plumbing thread tape.

Colinb

[ian_uk1975]

Just thought I'd update this thread as I spoke to Charles at Real Steel today (very helpful / knowledgeable and a real Gent, by the way) and was about to place an order for (amongst other things) some ARP thread sealer. Charles advised me against this unless it was for use in a new-ish block (ie. a block where the threads in the bolt holes are not likely to have received any remedial attention). He said the ARP stuff isn't too clever in older blocks and has been known to sprout leaks past the head bolts. Instead, he recommended Loctite 572, which is what Real Steel now use in their engine builds. More expensive (£15-odd), but it's a price well worth paying for peace of mind.

Cheers,
Ian.