Yes, I searched but my question is specific.

I have tried the following with dismal failure:

ARP Thread Sealant Time to failure: 1 hour.

Teflon tape Time to failure: 600 miles

Yes proper prep was performed including chasing threads and cleaning with solvent (block and studs) to remove excess oil.

I want a solution that can be had while the heads are still on.

I have heard mixed results on Permatex #2 so please make other suggestions. I have no problem going with silicone gasket making materials because sealing these are more of a priority than worrying about residual dried silicone upon stud removal someday. These heads will be removed someday but probably not for a few seasons.

 

Well I only see two choices given the requirements. Put a can of stop leak in the system. YUK!! Or remove each stud, one at a time, and coat with sealent of your choice.
I know this isn't any help but I had NO problems with the "liquid Teflon" sealent that's recommended. Are you sure the water is coming from around the threads??

 

I guess I should have stated that I have tried the stop leak shiite and it did some some of the leaks but not all.

Yes definitely around the threads it is leaking there is no doubt.

 

You MUST drain some of the coolent from the block!!!!! Then use Permatex N 2BR on the CLEAN bolts and dry block holes. That should STOP your leak...

 

When the block was machined did they use a tq. plate with studs instead of bolts? I ran head studs on my old set-up but got tired of the leaks. The only time I have seen non-leaking studs on an lt1 car is when they used studs on the tq. plate.

 

It was indicated on the build sheet they did.

I think I will just run that leak stop stuff permanently after I get this next round of Permatex 2 in. No other way to be safe as I can tell.

 

http://www.permatex.com/products/Aut...ad_Sealant.htm



DO NOT USE PERMATEX #2 for sealing head bolts or studs....it is NOT a thread sealant.

 

Also, an amazing sealer is Locktite 545 hydraulic sealer but I never used it on an engine head application - good stuff, though.

 

This doesn't make sense. A torque plate is used when boring & honing a cylinder. The block is decked referenced to the main bores regardless of bore distortion.

-Scott.

 

Why would a stud need to be sealed differently than a bolt? Both are going into water passages.

Thanks,

 

Got it!

 

That's what I used on mine -- no problems at all

 

There is only one thing to watch out for with the permatex. I once got a tube of that stuff that was really thin and watery. The contents of the tube should be a good consistency.......like a good hand lotion or hand cleaner. If it's really thin and watery, don't use it, get another tube.