I am re-assembling my 67 289 and just put one of the heads on last night. The ARP instructions say to use sealant on bolts entering into water passages. SO, I assumed it was the upper bolts and used permatex high temp black silicone on those and just moly lube on the lower.

Well, after double checking on this site, I see that it is actually the lower bolts that go into the coolant passages and that I should have use permatex #2 instead of permatex.

So, is the fact that I put permatex high temp silicone on the upper bolts a problem?

And, should I remove the lower bolts a re-install with permatex thread sealer # 2. Or just elave it as is?

On the other head I will use the permatex #2 on the lower and moly lube on the upper.

Thanks folks!

 

since when do headbolts go through water passages in a 289? new to me.
I usually only use a bit of oil/antiseize to get my torque readings right

 

Other posts on the site suggest that the lower bolts go into cooling passages. Is that not correct?

 

I seal them all. It's not like the sealant is expensive.

 

true. better safe than sorry ...

 

The lowers do go into the water jackets. The RTV on the uppers won't hurt, but you should remove everything and seal the lowers with Permatex #2.

 

I use the Permatex thread sealer with Teflon on the lowers and moly lube on the uppers.

 

So, any ideas on cleaning out the moly lube in the lowers?

I am guessing Q tips and some brake clean.

 

Another questions, should I remove the top bolts and clean out the RTV. Seems like it will be a hassle. Also concerned about retorquing if the seelant has set already.

 

Use moly on both for accurate torque readings. Head bolts are VERY unlikely to leak. Fill with water, no antifreeze once you go to start. If it leaks, drain it and let is sit for a day or two. The bolts will rust shut. Then refill with what you want. Honestly only ever seen a head bolt leak twice. Studs, another story.