Aluminum heads onto a 59AB

[qmdv]

I am going to be bolting up my AL heads to my 59AB in a few days. I was going to use cap screws. Am thinking of putting a little Permitex #2 non hardening on the threads.

What think you, better ideas?

Tim

[19Fordy]

Be sure and use thick hardened washers.

[russcc]

In addition to the hardened washers which Roy Naciewickz has, the threads in to the block should be coated with Permatex as you suggested, and the rest of the capscrew shoulder should be coated with aviation grade never seize.

[GOSFAST]

Originally Posted by qmdv

I am going to be bolting up my AL heads to my 59AB in a few days. I was going to use cap screws. Am thinking of putting a little Permitex #2 non hardening on the threads.

What think you, better ideas?

Tim

Hi Tom, we use the "1C" Permatex, similar to the one you mention but harder setting. Haven't had a single drop of liquid from either the bolt or stud platform.

Also, more recently we started using some very "special" washers for both the aluminum and iron heads. They work also with either bolts or studs. They are almost "invisible" to the naked eye when in position. They measure .670" on the O.D. and are only .060" thick. These are mfd from "Chrome-Moly" and are parallel ground for flatness! It's also not necessary to do any add'l machining on the bolt bosses due to the washer thickness! This is a "plus" in itself.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. Here's a couple shots of the head bolts and the washers. Couple of the bolts have washers on them, Maybe slightly difficult to see in the photos, the two on the right are clearer.

[JWL]

Your question is with regard to #2 Permatex and the answer is---it will work just fine.

The unsolicited washer comments seem to wander based on personal experiences. I will continue this and say the best washers I have used are the Grade L9 SAE washers for bolts and/or studs available many places but I get mine from MSC. These washer are hard, slick, and fit the counterbored recess of all aluminum heads I have tried them with.

[GOSFAST]

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I would just add one more item to this post to check closely.

When using washers with head bolts you need to be 100% positive that the washers clear the radii usually found under the heads of the bolts. In other words there needs to be some "wiggle" room in that area, if not you may end up with the incorrect torque numbers on ass'y??

The washers I showed above do have a chamfer and this chamfer MUST be installed towards the bolt head.

(Add) Another tip! When using washers that measure .125" thick, and many are, it's best to machine the head bolt bosses down some. I would recommend a minimum of .070"/.080" (or the entire .125") on all the holes. If this isn't done the bolts will end up .125" shorter in the deck threads and this isn't really good practice. You can get away with .060" up, but no more. This is my own opinion here. The final head gasket thickness comes into play here and should also be considered.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. When using studs the chamfers are a non-issue!

[Marvin/TN]

General Motors has a thread sealer for bolts that go into the water jacket. Has Teflon
in it. Comes in a tube, not cheap but very good. I even use it for pipe dope when doing plumbing for air lines, etc. I don't have the P/N number right off hand but can get it later as I am leaving to meet my daughter and family and won't be back until tonight. Anyone want the P/N for it send me a message and I will reply to it.

[Ol' Ron]

Be sure to check piston to head clearance before you bolt them down. I'd like to see .045/.050 clearance, any more and you loose the advantage of a hi turbulent combustion chamber. Now torque them to 45 ft/lbs through three heat cycles and your golden.

[Lenny51]

Wear can I buy these special washers for the aluminum heads
Thank you

[qmdv]

I get stuff like that from this outfit http://www.mcmaster.com/

Tim

[JWL]

Lenny, there is a giant MSC warehouse in the Atlanta area.

[GOSFAST]

Originally Posted by Lenny51

Wear can I buy these special washers for the aluminum heads
Thank you

Hi Lenny, if you have any problem finding the washers just contact me at [email protected]

We have .660" x .120", .670" x .060", .750" x .073", and .750" x .120". All these are for the 7/16" bolt/stud size. We also keep "insert washers", these are a "T" shape washer (flanged) but require machining to install and only in limited dimensions.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. We literally keep "hundreds" (we order in bulk) of these washers on the shelf at all times due to the fact they are used daily on many of our Chevy builds also!