Thread seal
 

I'm assembling my 327 sbc, and everybody on the Internet seems to have a different opinion on what type of sealant to use in each spot. I'm just bolting on the final stuff (fuel pump, oil pump, oil pan, water pump, intake manifold, etc.). Do any of you guys lend any credit to blue loctite or rtv silicone being used in any of these spots? If it makes a difference I have brand new ARP stainless steel bolts for everything that come with a tension type lock washer. I'm anxious to see what my fellow truck enthusiasts think about this mini-controversy.
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Re: Thread seal
 

you are probably gonna get more opinions than you can count on this but i'll go ahead and throw mine out there to get the ball rolling for ya. if the bolt hole is a blind hole (hole has a bottom in it) i use assembly lube. just so that i get a good torque reading. if the bolt hole is open to the water jacket i use thread sealant. just my preference. i will not use rtv anything on an engine period, ever.
Tony

Re: Thread seal
 

I've used thread sealant on my water pump plug and a few other fittings with good success. I use RTV to help with gaskets but not for that sort of thing.