Exhaust manifold bolts
Discussion
I was reading my "small block chevy" book last night, and it said that you must use anti sieze compound on exhaust manifold bolts when using aluminium heads.
Mine were assembled dry, but I've still had two drop out of their own accord.
Given that I might be taking the manifold off in the not too distant future, should I be re-assembling with copper slip? (obviously not so much as to cause pressure cracks). Or is anti sieze compound something else?
Mine were assembled dry, but I've still had two drop out of their own accord.
Given that I might be taking the manifold off in the not too distant future, should I be re-assembling with copper slip? (obviously not so much as to cause pressure cracks). Or is anti sieze compound something else?
Yes, I would use some form of antisieze compound. I use a silver grade antisieze compound made by Loctite that is good for 900 C. The problem is that you have a steel or stainless bolt threading into an aluminum material that will freeze up with time. Don't forget to use antisieze on your spark plugs also.
I think it is a wise idea to check and retorque all of your engine bolts after your first 100 miles or so. Head bolts, intake bolts, exhaust bolts, oil pan, etc... After that, you may want to occasionally check them. Exhaust bolts are especially notorious for loosening up. You'll also find that if you have mechanical lifters, that you will need to check and reset your valves. Not a problem if you have hydraulic lifters though.
I think it is a wise idea to check and retorque all of your engine bolts after your first 100 miles or so. Head bolts, intake bolts, exhaust bolts, oil pan, etc... After that, you may want to occasionally check them. Exhaust bolts are especially notorious for loosening up. You'll also find that if you have mechanical lifters, that you will need to check and reset your valves. Not a problem if you have hydraulic lifters though.
Be very careful with using an anti sieze compound on spark plugs. Most anti sieze has aluminum as an ingredient. I have had problmes in the past with plugs fouling out and found a small carbon conductor on the plug causing the problem.
After much research I found the use of too much anti sieze had caused the problem by the anti sieze getting into the clynder and a small carbon conductor forming during combustion.
If you use it be very careful to put a small amount on the threads only and not enough to let it get into the clynder.
After much research I found the use of too much anti sieze had caused the problem by the anti sieze getting into the clynder and a small carbon conductor forming during combustion.
If you use it be very careful to put a small amount on the threads only and not enough to let it get into the clynder.
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