main cap installation
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,069
Likes: 74
From: Casselberry FL
main cap installation Should new OEM LS1 main caps have any oil applied to the underside of the head and/or the threads themselves? Wouldn't that cause it to be slipprier (is that a word?) and require less torque to properly stretch the fastener?
What about new side caps torqued down for 2 days and then removed... when re-installing them, should I locktite them just for insurance against leakage or will the factory bolt sealant still be fine even though it was torqued?
What about new side caps torqued down for 2 days and then removed... when re-installing them, should I locktite them just for insurance against leakage or will the factory bolt sealant still be fine even though it was torqued?
Last edited by JimMueller; Jul 14, 2007 at 04:06 PM.
ARP says unlubed, factory bolts use up to 85% of torque applied to overcome friction of threads rubbing on each other. So that means if you lube the bolts, more of the torque applied will go towards stretching the bolts. Lube is good.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,069
Likes: 74
From: Casselberry FL
What's ARP have to do with it? They change their torque values because of the lube. Since these are GM fasteners, and we don't have alternate torque values with lube, then why would you lube them? The Helms manual doesn't mention using lube on the main cap fasteners.
I quote from ARP's catalog, page 27:
I quote from ARP's catalog, page 27:
2. The lubricant used is the main factor in determining friction,
and therefore, the torque for a particular installation. Motor oil is a
commonly used lubricant because of it’s ready availability. If less friction
is desired in order to install the fasteners with less torque, special
low friction lubricants are available. With special lubes, the required
torque can be reduced as much as 20 to 30 percent. It is important
to keep in mind that the reverse is also true. If the torque value has
been specified for a particular fastener on the basis of low friction
lube, installing the fastener with motor oil will result in insufficient
preload; the torque has to be increased to compensate for the extra
friction caused by the motor oil.
and therefore, the torque for a particular installation. Motor oil is a
commonly used lubricant because of it’s ready availability. If less friction
is desired in order to install the fasteners with less torque, special
low friction lubricants are available. With special lubes, the required
torque can be reduced as much as 20 to 30 percent. It is important
to keep in mind that the reverse is also true. If the torque value has
been specified for a particular fastener on the basis of low friction
lube, installing the fastener with motor oil will result in insufficient
preload; the torque has to be increased to compensate for the extra
friction caused by the motor oil.
I can shift faster than you.
iTrader: (21)
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,133
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
The factory main cap bolt are torque-angle, thus taking the friction part out of the equation. I normally just put a bit of motor oil on the threads to help prevent galling,etc..
The side bolts can be re-used. Just use a bit of silicone on them to act as a sealant.
Jason
The side bolts can be re-used. Just use a bit of silicone on them to act as a sealant.
Jason
