As some of you may recall I'm still learning lots about building engines, and learning it the hard way. I rebuilt a used engine I bought (just down to the short block, left the crank and pistons in as the mileage wasn't too high) mainly just to replace the gaskets, clean up the valves/heads, and paint it.

The end result (pic below) runs great. The only problem, as per my previous post, has been a tiny water leak out of both heads because didn't use sealer on the head bolts. I tried to redo them while in the car but it still leaks.

So, today I'm gonna pull the top end off and reaplce the head gaskets, seal the bolts with some permatex #2 as suggested, and retorque this thing. I hate to pull it apart because it's probably never gonna look the same.

Sequence: (I bought new Head and Manifold Gaskets)

-Tap all head bolt holes to clean them all up
-Replace Head Gaskets. (No sealer on Head or block Surface)
-Put Permatex #2 all over the threads of the head bolts (Should I put some in the holes before I put the heads on if I do it quickly or put some in the holes after the head is on so the bolt pushes it down into the hole?)
-Put in bolts and torque in sequence and increments
-Put a little sealer around the water jacket holes and manifold gasket
-Torque manifold down.

Anything I'm doing wrong here or any suggestions? I do not want to do this again. :cry

Thanks much!

 

Don't forget to ensure that you place a small bead of Ultra Copper sealer around each of the water outlets on the head. A VERY SMALL BEAD! This, along with freshly tapped bolts holes and sealed bolts, should help reduce or eliminate the water leak.

Gary

 

Gary, on the heads? Or on the block where the water outlets are? First I heard that one but I'm the one who didn't use the sealer the first time around. :smash:

I have the engine down to the block now. I've drained all the coolant out and dried out the block. I just finished tapping all the holes, cleaning off the old gasket, and picked up Teflon Sealer from GM and new head gaskets.

I'm about ready to put this thing back together. Probably have to wait for teh weekend though to find the time.

Thanks,

Joe..

 

just curious which headgaskets are you using this time?regular or steel shim gaskets?