So my new 383 is leaking anti freeze. It looks like its leaking from the head studs. It has never really been started. What should i do? replace the studs with bolts? Can i just take the studs out and put bolts in? Or am i looking at taking the heads off and everything ????

 

Did you use a high-grade of "thread sealer" on the studs to seal-off the water jacket and coolant (maybe ARP brand)?

WD

 

They are APR and i didn't put the heads on. The builder did

 

I'm not talking about the brand of studs used, I'm referring to the band of "thread sealer" used to seal the studs in the block and prevent coolant from leaking from the water jacket as your engine is doing. Again, ARP also makes a great thread sealer.

So, was a high quality thread sealer used on the studs? You need to check with your engine builder and find out.

WD

 

Sure sounds like someone forgot to seal the head bolts.



Rich

 

I have no clue... It looks like there is gray grease on the threads however it is still leaking from several studs. I think im just going to take them out and put bolts in

 

I had that problems on what of my first builds...I used I believe some alumaseal or something along those lines....just dumped it in the radiator and it fixed it.

 

To late... I already have everything except the heads off. I just got to order the bolts and swap them out. Can i just change one at a time? I shouldn't have to take the heads off or replace the gaskets should I?

 

Even if you use head bolts in-place-of the studs, you'll still need to use a high quality thread-sealer.

WD

 

Man it's a shame to not use the nice and expensive set of head studs.

All you need to do is drain the block (on both sides), pull each stud one at a time and clean the stud threads and goop them up with Permatex RTV (The Right Stuff). That "stuff" works 100% without fail.
Don't pull the heads. Just do each stud one at a time.

But you already ordered the bolts and plan to ditch the studs. bummer.

Well, the head bolts will certainly seal fine with normal thread sealant. Head studs are a biotch to seal (unless you use RTV).

Karl Ellwein
Ellwein Racing Engines
Maryland USA

 

Would you recommend Permatex RTV on the head bolts as well? When I tear mine down and put it back together...I'd like to get it right the first time.

 

For head bolts I would use the normal white thread sealant. That stuff always seals very well with head bolts. The only down side with the RTV is that when removing the studs (or bolts) that have RTV on the threads then little pieces of the RTV can get in the water jacket and possibly clog the radiator. White teflon paste sealant does not do that.

Karl

 

I agree with quickSS and the ARP thread sealer is the Teflon paste. I've had very good luck with the ARP thread sealer. Additionally, I use it on the water pump bolts which are also in the water jacket.

WD