coolant leak in header bolts

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David Dickerson

David Dickerson

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I have used multiple materials to try and seal those pesky end bolts. All have failed. Permatex recommended their pipe joint compound. That still weeps a brown goo. Was thinking of teflon tape with a combination of their high performance white thread sealing compound. I'm on my fourth try. Any thoughts?
 
I use loctite 567 thread sealant. Works like a charm, and I'm using bolts.
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Your issue is probably getting the head thread surface clean, vs what you're using. Drain the fluid down some. shoot it with brake clean...let it sit for a while to dry. shoot it with cleaner again.
I've used as little as black RTV, and i can't say i've ever had them leak at all.
 
David Dickerson said:
I have used multiple materials to try and seal those pesky end bolts. All have failed. Permatex recommended their pipe joint compound. That still weeps a brown goo. Was thinking of teflon tape with a combination of their high performance white thread sealing compound. I'm on my fourth try. Any thoughts?
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I had the same issue with my 340.
Cleaned threads twice with brake cleaner and a wire brush that is used for cleaning rifle bores, then I ran a tap down the holes.
Purchased new studs and sealed them with Permatex Ultra Gray, let them cure for two days.
Installed new nuts, never had an issue again.
Over 2000 miles and many heat cycles.
 
if you're sticking with bolts you may want to try a longer bolt in your trouble spot. Sometimes the bolts are very short and with a thick header flange and thicker gaskets you may not be getting a lot of thread engagement so a longer bolt with sealant might help you out.
 
Another vote for studs on the ends if you can get the headers over them. I prefer Rectorseal pipe thread sealant for the wet bolts. Ya, I know it's for plumbing and not automotive but it seals even when the bolt holes are wet.
 
Use the loctite 567 mentioned above. We use it at work on plastic injection molds cooling pipe plugs. Tested to 300 psi. Don’t even need full threads, just enough to hold the pipe plug in, never leaks, good stuff.
 
The studs have a shoulder where thread ends helps seal metal to metal. I would still use a sealer or Teflon tape.
 
Are you using real header bolts or just a regular bolt. I just use Teflon paste I bought at Lowes never any leak
 
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