bill69

I am in the process of changing out a head gasket and wanted to know which bolts are actually in the water jacket and need sealant. Are all of them in the jacket? Is there a way i can tell. I have a 1970 LS5. Thanks.

rklessdriver

In a factory BBC block ALL of the head bolts go to water and need sealant.
Will

SteveG75

Permatex #2 on all the head bolts. That way, you don't forget one and they are all equally lubricated for torque.

TimAT

Clean the head bolts on a wire wheel. Apply the Permatex to the threads and a drop of oil under the bolt head. Unless you are using ARP bolts- then follow their instructions.

Permatex #2 works great- so does the old standard pipe thread sealer with Teflon. None of them are much fun to clean up after teardown and reassembly.