To locktite or not, that is the question!
To locktite or not, that is the question! So I am reassembling the engine tomorrow and I want to know if I should locktite stuff or not, my firts inclination is YES locktite everything! But I don't know if there is stuff I shouldn't or not.
I have a brand new 408 iron block. the only thing I am not messing with is the rotating assembly ( crank and pistons) So I have the cam retention plate bolts, the cam sprocket, the oil pump, Front and rear covers, valley cover, oil pan, rockers, clutch and flywheel, all pulleys, EVERYTHING! so any knowledge on this?
Thanks
I have a brand new 408 iron block. the only thing I am not messing with is the rotating assembly ( crank and pistons) So I have the cam retention plate bolts, the cam sprocket, the oil pump, Front and rear covers, valley cover, oil pan, rockers, clutch and flywheel, all pulleys, EVERYTHING! so any knowledge on this?
Thanks
I would use blue locktite on the cam retainer bolts, the cam sprocket bolts and the oil pump. Also, use blue locktite on the single oil pickup tube to oil pump intake. If you disassemble the oil pump for any reason (inspection, porting, etc.) use blue locktite on those bolts. Rocker arm studs should have blue on the threads and Teflon pipe dope (ARP Sealer) where the stud post mates to the surface of the rocker boss.
Personally, I would use anti-seize compound (a graphite and oil mixture) with no locking compound on all cover bolts, pan bolts and spark plugs. ARP bolts or studs for the crank, rods, heads, etc. should be lubricated (threads and thrust surfaces) with ARP's moly lube. The GM crank pulley bolt comes with a type of dry locktite on it from the factory.
Steve
These are just my recommendations. Others will probably have equally legitimate practices that they recommend.
Personally, I would use anti-seize compound (a graphite and oil mixture) with no locking compound on all cover bolts, pan bolts and spark plugs. ARP bolts or studs for the crank, rods, heads, etc. should be lubricated (threads and thrust surfaces) with ARP's moly lube. The GM crank pulley bolt comes with a type of dry locktite on it from the factory.
Steve
These are just my recommendations. Others will probably have equally legitimate practices that they recommend.
I loctited the cam retainer bolts, cam bolts, pressure plate and flywheel bolts. I didn't loctite the oil pan, oil pump, or front/rear cover or valley cover bolts. I used teflon thread sealer on the rocker arm bolts.
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Dallas (Richardson), TX, USA
I'm having to pull the engine in my car because the cam bearings are hosed and I have metal shavings in the engine. Both of these are due to the cam sprocket bolts backing out. I'll definitely be using red Loc-Tite on those next time and giving them at least 24 hours to cure in open air before replacing the timing cover. I would advise you to do the same.
Does GM use lock tite on the cam sprocket and oil pump bolts? I did not use it (On the cam spocket, oil pump, or pickup tube) when I put my motor together.. I did however use it on the rocker arms. Hope it does not fall apart..
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Dallas (Richardson), TX, USA
On new bolts they have that same orange Loc-Tite type stuff that's on the GM crank bolts. However, I imagine it's no good after one use. It certainly didn't do me any good when I reused my cam bolts. 
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Verdad Gallardo I would not use red locktite for any of these applications. It is intended to be used in extreme vibration instances and requires impact tools for disassembly. In most of the instances where locktite would be used on an automotive application, blue locktite (or similar thread locking compound) is more than sufficient. If you are rebuilding a jackhammer, use red locktite.
If you torque the bolts properly on the cam sprocket and retainer, there is little chance of them coming loose (no guarantee, it is just unlikely).
Steve
If you torque the bolts properly on the cam sprocket and retainer, there is little chance of them coming loose (no guarantee, it is just unlikely).
Steve
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From: Baltimore, MD.
Originally Posted by Gauge
I'll definitely be using red Loc-Tite on those next time and giving them at least 24 hours to cure in open air before replacing the timing cover.
If you want to wait 24 hours, go right ahead, but it won't make it any stronger / better.
'JustDreamin'
I use red Locktite on everything I don't plan on taking apart every other day. I have had to remove bolts after using the red Locktite and it really isn't that bad. You definitely don't need an impact to remove them. I absolutely, positively would use red Locktite on anything inside the engine, as you definitely don't want anything coming apart in there! On my engine assembly (swap from GTO to TA), I went through a whole tube of the stuff.
Galen
Galen
I use Blue locktite on my rocker retainer bolts and intake manifold bolts. One thing I noticed though is the temp rating of Blue Locktite. It's max 190 deg. F. The Red is much higher. I don't have the bottles in front of me so I can't give the posted max temps, but I'd suggest you look at that and plan on expected temps to be within the max temp scope.
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Dallas (Richardson), TX, USA
Originally Posted by GuitsBoy
I loctited just about everything on that list. Like gauge, I also had my cam walk due to the bolts backing out (bad loctite).
Lucky for you, you didn't have the same result.
Engine is coming out this weekend. I'm excited about my first rebuild.
[/HIJACK]
Well I went ahaead and put locktite on the cam retention plate and the cam sprocket. That is all I have torqued down so far. It is a very slow process as I can only go work on the car on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 12 but I have to pick my kids up from school at 2. So slow going and trying to make sure everything is perfect. But it will come together! I am going to locktite all the bolts in the engine as I would hate to have them come out! 18ft pounds is sure not very tight but that is the torque specs given in the "how to build a HP LS1/LS6" They also say to use locktite so I guess it is safe.
Thanks
Thanks
