This is my first time installing head gaskets and I want to make sure I do them right so I don't have to do this again... I have already installed the front one but now I want to double check that I'm doing it correct. I'm using fel-pro gaskets and they said not to use sealant so I didn't... I then installed the head and sealed the threads of the bolts with black rtv silicone... then I torqued the bolts according to the sequence in the haynes manual. I feel like I did it right but I want to be absolutely sure, my worries are whether or not the black silicone will do and whether or not I should have used a sealer on the gaskets for extra assurance. Thanks in advance!
I generally use teflon pipe sealant on the threads because it's easier to remove and clean in the future, but you'll be fine. The main thing is to make sure the bolt threads are clean and that the threads in the block are clean. I use an 11mm tap and rotary wire brush to clean the block threads.
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10:30 AM
hinesb1890 Member
Posts: 684 From: Cranston, RI, USA Registered: Jan 2009
Ok, I didn't really clean out the threads in the block but the bolts are new so they were clean, will it be ok or should I disassemble and clean the threads out?
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11:12 AM
TONY_C Member
Posts: 2747 From: North Bellmore, NY 11710 Registered: May 2001
As for not cleaning the threads...you should be ok, but don't skip this step next time! It's pretty important for getting the correct torque. After cleaning them, use a blow gun to blow all the crap out and wrap a rag around the top to catch all the crap that comes out. Some engines use blind holes and others use open holes that go into the cooling jackets around the cylinders. The open holes need to be washed after chasing the threads, the closed holes need to be washed and blown out. If an open hole is really dirty, you might need to clean the cooling jacket area too. If you don't get the washing chemical/coolant/oil out of a blind hole, you can crack the block or strip the threads when you tighten that head bolt because it can hydro lock the fluid in the hole...especially if the bolt has a sealant on it, but even without sealant.