The Ford Barn

CC33 · 08-22-2011, 07:48 AM

Will adding washers to the nuts on the studs help prevent coolant leakage? Were they originally set up this way?

wga · 08-22-2011, 07:55 AM

Use thread sealer on the studs. Washers (hard steel type) provide a smooth surface for the nuts to bear against. This prevents galling, especially on aluminum heads.
Permatex non hardening thread sealer is great stuff. Best Gasket composite gasket.
Torque to spec incrementally, and retorque a couple of times.

ford38v8 · 08-22-2011, 08:47 PM

CC33, Aluminum heads were originally fitted with washers. Cast iron heads were not. Cooland leakage at the top of the head is a sign that the studs were not sealed initially when installed. Kinda almost not gonna happen to try to seal them after the fact.

Walt Dupont--Me. · 08-22-2011, 09:18 PM

It's not new for the 48 and older engine with head nuts to have a few leak after a new rebuild. They usually seal themself in a few days. If you a couple that won't seal, remove the nut and smear some black RTV on the stud threads and retorque, they'll be fine. Walt

frenchy dehoux · 08-22-2011, 10:15 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I usually put on a light coat of sealer on the thread before installing them onto the block and also a small amount under the washer as well. Especially the studs that will be in line with the water jacket area I have not seen any leaks doing it this way.

Frenchy

08-22-2011, 07:48 AM	#1
CC33 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 465	Head Stud Leakage ??? Will adding washers to the nuts on the studs help prevent coolant leakage? Were they originally set up this way?

08-22-2011, 07:55 AM	#2
wga Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorba Linda, CA Posts: 962	Re: Head Stud Leakage ??? Use thread sealer on the studs. Washers (hard steel type) provide a smooth surface for the nuts to bear against. This prevents galling, especially on aluminum heads. Permatex non hardening thread sealer is great stuff. Best Gasket composite gasket. Torque to spec incrementally, and retorque a couple of times. __________________ Henry Ford designed the flathead without the aid of a computer.

08-22-2011, 08:47 PM	#3
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 7,285	Re: Head Stud Leakage ??? CC33, Aluminum heads were originally fitted with washers. Cast iron heads were not. Cooland leakage at the top of the head is a sign that the studs were not sealed initially when installed. Kinda almost not gonna happen to try to seal them after the fact. __________________ Alan

08-22-2011, 09:18 PM	#4
Walt Dupont--Me. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gardiner Me. Posts: 4,200	Re: Head Stud Leakage ??? It's not new for the 48 and older engine with head nuts to have a few leak after a new rebuild. They usually seal themself in a few days. If you a couple that won't seal, remove the nut and smear some black RTV on the stud threads and retorque, they'll be fine. Walt

08-22-2011, 10:15 PM	#5
frenchy dehoux Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Queen Creek AZ Posts: 519	Re: Head Stud Leakage ??? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I usually put on a light coat of sealer on the thread before installing them onto the block and also a small amount under the washer as well. Especially the studs that will be in line with the water jacket area I have not seen any leaks doing it this way. Frenchy