am_muscl

iTrader: (19)

So this is after the first time I took it for a drive around the block. I parked it back in the garage and noticed a little steam coming from one of the head bolts on the driver's side. I'm gonna be really pissed if after putting this all together, I have to tear it apart again to replace head gaskets.

Blackbirdws6

iTrader: (7)

What kind of sealant did you use? If it's only the one, you could pull it out and reseal.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Yeah that looks like coolant creeping up the threads due to a lack of sealant.

joelster

Don't use ARP sealant. Use regular black RTV. The sealant that comes with ARP studs is a joke and notorious for leaking.

350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

Or permatex high temp thread sealant.

am_muscl

iTrader: (19)

well like a newb I used the ARP sealant. So if it's just the front 2 head bolts, I could pull them and use a different high temp thread sealant?

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Yes. Do them one at a time.

am_muscl

iTrader: (19)

stupid question, should I drain the coolant first?

350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

Its amazing to me that arp makes badass bolts but sells crap for sealant. I used their arp head bolts but heard bad things about their sealant so i used permatex high temp thread sealant.

Yes drain the coolant. Technically you should have dry threads when installing head bolts so the thread sealant can set up. Also read about coolant in the bolt holes causing blocks to crack.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Most definitely. At least drain it to where it's low enough to not come out of the bolt hole. What concerns me is if this is going to happen to other bolts especially under the valve cover where you may not notice it at first? I think if I saw this on my motor I'd pull all the bolts out, get new head gaskets and Permatex thread sealant and just do it over for peace of mind.

moehorsepower

iTrader: (3)

^^^ Thats is what I would do....