OK,
I am getting ready to put the heads back on and wanted to make sure I read this right. Both my shop manual and my "How to rebuild your smallblock Ford" book dont mention it so I needed to make sure.


On the head bolts. I need to put Permatex#2 on the threads of the head bolts. I read that the lower shorter bolts definitely need the sealant. What about the longer upper bolts.
Do I lube with engine oil or use more sealant?

Will it hurt to put sealant on every bolt thread?
Head, intake, water pump, timing cover, intake etc

 

I always just use ARP assembly lube on the threads. I is a moly based lube and helps to provide even torquing. I have never had any leakage problems. You can also use 30Wt oil.

 

I did have water leak from the lower head studs when I swapped the head gaskets. I pulled them out one at a time and used high temp sealant.
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I had a big problem with leaks in my lower head studs as well. My mechanic said to use Permetex Aviation sealer. It seems to have fixed the problem. Make sure the bolt holes do not have ANY antifreeze in them. I didn't and had to do the whole thing over again. I went to the extent of using a Q Tip to clean the threads and dry them out. You should not need to put the sealer on the upper bolts. It won't hurt anything if you do though.

 

Excellent idea. I also did this when I swapped the heads on my car and it worked a treat.

Jav