Thread lock on head bolts?

[jeranamo]

Do I need to put thread lock on these new head bolts before putting them in? 3.1L

[Airjer_]

No thread lock is needed. A thin (very thin) coat of oil isn't bad idea to help lubricate the threads as there being torqued. A little thread lock on the lower intake bolts is a good idea,

[jeranamo]

Thanks for the reply. I went ahead and put a little of the white sealant on them anyway as instructed by GM.

[kevinb70]

probably too late, but realize only the bottom 3/4" of the threads are actually used. you wont need antiseize/loctite on most of the bolt threads

long head bolts up top, short bolts on bottom ... if you got the fel-pro kit, that bolt threaded on top is unused. that funny looking stud goes on right next to the water pump (probably obvious) so the bracket can fit on top.

on the head bolts, i used anti-seize... motor oil below the bolt head where it touches the head - this reduces friction which throws off the torque reading.

intake bolts, loctite blue... careful on the hole threads, actually be careful on ANY aluminum threads... very weak.

put a TAD of Black RTV on the "tabs" of the head bolt gasket... these sort of mate up with the lower intake. just enough to seal above and below the tab that sticks out.


TEST COMPRESSION before putting on the lower intake

[jeranamo]

Originally Posted by kevinb70

TEST COMPRESSION before putting on the lower intake

with or without spark plugs installed?

[maxwedge]

Can't test compression with the plugs in, no?

[jeranamo]

I've just heard of people leaving 5 plugs in with the 1 cylinder being tested being the only one removed. Wasn't sure which would give me the most accurate reading.

[kevinb70]

all plugs out so the engine can rotate freely