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Head Bolts--to seal or not to seal
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lepsyc
New User
Sep 14, 2005, 8:07 PM
Post #1 of 6
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Head Bolts--to seal or not to seal
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I'm replacing heads on a 1993 Mercury Sable 3.8L. My manual (from HELM) says to "apply light oil or sealant, as specified" to the bolts. The problem is that the manual does not specify which bolts to use sealant on. Can anyone help me figure outwhich bolts (if any) to use sealant on? Thanks!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 14, 2005, 8:30 PM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: Head Bolts--to seal or not to seal
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You are testing me here, but if I were doing that job I would wire wheel brush the threads, put a dash of the brown gasket cement on the treads just before putting them back (the wicked old fashioned brush in cap type of gasket cement). I don't believe they are involved with sealing coolant or oil but the torque and seqence matters as you tighten them up. USE EVERY CAUTION NOT TO DROP ANYTHING INTO OPEN ENGINE PARTS.!! Use rags, paper towels etc., to help prevent that.
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harleyguy
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Sep 15, 2005, 4:23 AM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: Head Bolts--to seal or not to seal
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Just to add to Tom's advice, Get NEW head bolts. Don't reuse the old ones. They could be heat stressed and snap. If you've ever snapped a bolt like I have, make sure you have a CLEAN rag handy to hold over your mouth while you are screaming the obsenities. Your neighbors will thank you. 
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lepsyc
New User
Sep 15, 2005, 7:00 AM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: Head Bolts--to seal or not to seal
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thanks for the tip.... the bolt seats in the block are not exposed to coolant or engine oil (they're are dead-end), so I can't figure why I would need pipe dope... go figure!
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lepsyc
New User
Sep 15, 2005, 7:03 AM
Post #5 of 6
(2317 views)
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Re: Head Bolts--to seal or not to seal
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Good advice, they're already not sure they like the sound of an air compressor. Yup, I sure did get new bolts... I have a pretty good manual (from HELM--looks like an OEM manual), but that phrase they used throws me off... "apply sealant as specified", and then not indication of whic ones. I was doing heads on a 91 buick 3.1L and the manula was very clear which bolts needed dressing. This one is confusing in that regard....
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 15, 2005, 7:06 AM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: Head Bolts--to seal or not to seal
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Harleyguy has the best advice here. Buy new, they do stretch and some makes recalled them. Short money for a good fix, Tom
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