RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant???

RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 08:17 PM

I am installing new headers and am curious as to what guys are using for exhaust stud sealant on cast iron (452) RB heads?
I have Ultra Black silicone and also Pneumatic/Hydraulic sealant but dont think it will hold up to the temps..
I tried the Ultra Black on a couple studs and after drying over night didnt feel like it was holding up, loosened up with minimal effort.
Want a tight leak proof seal!
Any other options is appreciated.

Posted By: Chris2581

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 08:19 PM

When I ran my 452's with headers,I used Permatex aviation sealant.

Posted By: roadhazard

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 08:44 PM

I use Teflon Pipe Thread Sealant.

IMO these leaks can be traced to people using regular taps to clean the threads and ruining the "class fit" of the threads. Only thread chase/cleaning taps should be used.

Posted By: HPMike

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 08:59 PM

Quote:

I use Teflon Pipe Thread Sealant.

IMO these leaks can be traced to people using regular taps to clean the threads and ruining the "class fit" of the threads. Only thread chase/cleaning taps should be used.

True, I would just add...

I use the ARP thread sealant or teflon tape, whatever I have laying around. Usually doesn't present a problem. Make sure the studs you are using have a nice shoulder that seperates the fine and coarse threads. Then use a stud installer or just use two nuts and screw the stud in pretty tight against the shoulder. The interference fit between the head and the shoulder, more than the threads it seems, does the job of sealing the water out. Done hundreds this way and never had any issues.

MB

Posted By: Stroked65Belv

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 09:11 PM

The kit that I have is a basic Mr.Gasket stud/nut kit. No shoulder to seperate the coarse fine threads. Same threads from head to nut. Im guessing now that I should look a lil deeper into a better header bolt kit.

Posted By: HPMike

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 09:27 PM

Quote:

The kit that I have is a basic Mr.Gasket stud/nut kit. No shoulder to seperate the coarse fine threads. Same threads from head to nut. Im guessing now that I should look a lil deeper into a better header bolt kit.

That is definitely the problem....

You need that "bulge" or shoulder that seperates the fine/coarse threads. Even if both sides are coarse, you definitely need a shoulder to seat down against the head.

MB

EDIT;

Reread the post and your last reply and it seems like you are trying to seal regular header bolts. What I mentioned pertains to studs and not bolts.

If you are running TTI's they conveniently leave enough room so that you can retain the original style studs and nuts to retain the header, which will be much less prone to leak. My advice(if you are running a header that doesn't allow the use of a stud/nut) is to run as many studs that you heve room for. For the other ones that require a stud, this is what I do...

-Drain the block enough to bring the level of coolant down below the head holes.
-Make sure the threads are not buggered up and run a tap to clean them.
-With all the holes clean and dry, mount the header and use some teflon tape on the threads with a bit of high temp RTV, like Ultra Grey. Tighten and finish installing the headers and don't fill the cooling system or start the engine for a day or so. It's a pain at times, but you will get it. Again, I would use as many studs as possible and only use the bolts in the areas where a stud is impossible. Because of the expansion and contraction of the exhaust parts- ity becomes very difficlut to keep those bolts from seeping. One of the best things about aftermarket heads is elimination of the wet header bolt holes.

MB

Posted By: sshemi

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 09:36 PM

permatex ultra copper will solve your problem

Posted By: AAR-B4

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 10:04 PM

Quote:

permatex ultra copper will solve your problem

I don't think silicone is your best solution.
I have always used Permatex form a gasket #2 (non-hardening)
Old school but never fails.

Posted By: Stroked65Belv

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 11:22 PM

Ok, I'll start again. I am using Hooker super comps with 2" primary tubes. A 2 pc header. The car is apart so no rush to reinstall and fill with coolant yet. Have plenty of time. Suspension and steering box is out. I am just in fitting stage and get it all in there mocked up, just not satisfied with what sealants that I have tried. Once done, I want it done and over with unless I need to remove the engine. I would like to stud every one but have ARP bolts that looks like I will have to use in 1 or 2 places on drivers side. Pass side all studs will work. Has anyone ever used Permatex hydraulic/Pneaumatic sealant? Its red liquid and seals hard just not sure of hot exhaust temps!

Posted By: HPMike

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/18/11 11:39 PM

Quote:

Ok, I'll start again. I am using Hooker super comps with 2" primary tubes. A 2 pc header. The car is apart so no rush to reinstall and fill with coolant yet. Have plenty of time. Suspension and steering box is out. I am just in fitting stage and get it all in there mocked up, just not satisfied with what sealants that I have tried. Once done, I want it done and over with unless I need to remove the engine. I would like to stud every one but have ARP bolts that looks like I will have to use in 1 or 2 places on drivers side. Pass side all studs will work. Has anyone ever used Permatex hydraulic/Pneaumatic sealant? Its red liquid and seals hard just not sure of hot exhaust temps!

Use methods that I stated above. The Ultra Grey or other high temp sealants will work fine. It's not as hot as you think on the sealed(head) side of the bolt/stud anyway. If you can get away with only using two bolts, great. The studs won't leak, if you get a little seepage from the bolts, usually if you snug them up- it goes away.

MB

Posted By: challengermike

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/19/11 03:50 AM

I never use any sealer with the cheap mr gaskets bolts and have never had a leak.Just recheck them after the first warm up for tightness.If your worried you could just use some loctite on them.

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: RB cast head Exhaust stud sealant??? - 04/19/11 03:22 PM

Quote:

The kit that I have is a basic Mr.Gasket stud/nut kit. No shoulder to seperate the coarse fine threads. Same threads from head to nut. Im guessing now that I should look a lil deeper into a better header bolt kit.

Yes , you can get the fine course thread studs at an Ace or ?True value hardware store usually. I have used gasket shellac in the past, or even let rust do the job ...