Reduced Torque on Rocker Bolts...Oops
 

So I installed my rocker arms on my LS engine and used blue threadlocker. Like myself trying to do it perfect, googled if I needed to reduce torque which I quickly found "reduce by 20%". So the 22lb spec was reduced to ~18.

Just by chance today saw that permatex PDF says no torque reduction necessary. DoH! SOB!

Pulled the cover off and upped the torque wrench...and click....the cured thread locker I guess is creating enough friction it clicks at 22ftlbs....

With thread locker and aluminum heads, I think it's risky to take it all apart....my lock I pop some threads or something

What would you do? I figure the worst that could happen is the bolts loosen but I doubt that will happen with the threadlocker. Thoughts?

I use blue thread lock on mine.
What exactly are you asking? Sorry, I struggled to follow your post a bit.

He torqued to 18 the spec is 22, he can't retorque because the locktite has cured.

To retorque them he will have to back the bolts off to break the locker then retighten.

He will,
A - loose the thread locker

B - make a mess removing the bolts and re-glueing them (this is pretty easy to deal with if the motor has not been run)(a shop vac will collect the crusties)

C - leave it alone and keep an eye on the rockers

Yeah, F-ng google...I should have just read the online instructions! I hate doing things twice!

I pulled them apart...crusties were not too bad. Wiped them up and blew the holes out with compressed air. I marked them with a paint pen so I would know if they moved. The line went from the 12-oclock to about 1 or slightly less. So the difference in torque was not huge.

I torque to 23 ft.lb without thread locker and I have not had a problem ever.

Why are you using thread loc? If the hole is open into the intake port then seal it. If not just use oil and torque to spec

Tim

This is worth noting for others who find this thread. If you have Ported heads where the intake port has exposed the rocker threads, you'll want to use the blue thread locker or some light RTV sealer. I use both very sparingly. Blue Gel Locktite on the bottom part of the bolts and the RTV on the upper portion of the bolts. (Just a little bit)

Thread loc is not a thread sealer RTV is not either. A good thread sealer is all that is needed if the bolt goes into the port. Just because guys use it does not mean that it is the correct way of doing it.

Tim

The orange Permatex high temp sealant is what I use. Used it for every single engine I've personally ran since I run ported heads. no issues here.