What sealant on 292 Head bolts?

[Bushman66]

Got the head off, and the bolts look great, I did see that there was remnants of some kind of sealing compound on the threads. I have a thread cleaning chaser tap coming, didn't want to use my threading taps to clean up the threads in the block. I read that the torque rating is 90-95 Ft/lbs,tightened in a spiral pattern from center out. I'll probably torque in stages, 30/60/95...I've had good luck using that method through the years.

My question...what type of sealant do you use on the bolts? Plain old black RTV silicone? Assuming just a small dab on the threads to keep water from seeping?

Thanks!

[chevy_mike]

I used liquid Teflon thread sealant (like the tape stuff but in liquid form). I have used RTV before but it can be a pain to get off down the road.

[68Gold/white]

I have used RTV, but now use the teflon stuff, also. My engine builder said to...

I coat the entire threaded end of the bolt. No interest in having water in my oil...

[Bushman66]

Thanks guys!

[cadillac_al]

I have never tried the liquid teflon. I can't imagine anything being better than old Permatex #2. I don't change my ways very often. Maybe somebody here has tried both and can enlighten me lol.

[crazy longhorn]

I have used form a gasket aviation, rtv, ect.....the last 3 builds that I did, were liquid teflon. No issues at all.....I am also old school, but the liquid teflon works longhorn

[GRX]

Machined and built literally 100s of these inline six for fleet service back in the day. Some came back later with over 300k miles. Permatex #2 form-a-gasket always worked fine.

[Asshat]

Hey, good info.
My instructions say to use a pliable non-hardening thread sealant on those bolts entering a coolant passage and oil on the ones not entering a coolant passage.

It probably wouldn't make a difference just using the sealant on all the bolts, right?

[truckster]

I would use it on all bolts. That way your torque readings are consistent.

I've always favored Aviation Form-A-Gasket. It's similar to Permatex #2 but comes in a brush-top can. Permatex calls it #3. Both are slow-drying, non-hardening sealants. Aside from the packaging, I'm not sure there's any difference. Permatex says #2 is approved for use in automotive as well as aviation applications, and that #3 is approved for use in aviation as well as automotive applications.

Oh, and if you use either one, clean-up is easiest with denatured alcohol.

[Asshat]

Looks I should use the sealant on all bolts, seems like every one has access to the water jackets. Found this out by blowing compressed air in the holes to clean them out. Also chased all the threads; and, you do NOT need a bottoming-tap for this block, the tapped holes go through the deck.

Here's my choices, probably going to use the Permatex #2.

[jayoldschool]

I use the Permatex. While silicone, etc, will work, this is the right stuff for the application.

[Asshat]

You guys think I’ll be ok with this stuff?
Doing the head install again, and I don’t remember which sealant I used before.

[Greasey Harley]

I use this, it is the best stuff I have found.

I used to use the ol' #3 aviation form-a-gasket exclusively, I switched to the Teflon thread sealant with PTFE,I think it's better. That being said, either one should work just fine.