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Trunnion bolt question

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Old Mar 3, 2023 | 10:05 AM
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Default Trunnion bolt question

Should RTV be used to seal the intake trunnion bolt threads and intake manifold to head bolt threads?
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Old Mar 3, 2023 | 10:50 AM
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I know that the OE bolts that I removed from my heads, when I did the trunnion "upgrade", had some sort of red substance on them, but I don't know if it was for the purpose of sealing something, or as a thread locker. The bolts that came with the kit(s) that I bought, were bare, socket head bolts, and that's how I installed them.
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Old Mar 3, 2023 | 11:04 AM
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It's been awhile since I've looked at an LS1/LS6 head, but iirc, the thread on the intake side does extend into the port. Exhaust won't matter. Also, iirc, I did put a small amount of thread sealer on the threads. I'm sure someone will come on here with a more recent experience than I. Hope this helps.
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Old Mar 3, 2023 | 06:38 PM
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Btr reunion kit is good stiff
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Old Mar 4, 2023 | 08:49 AM
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This discussion got me curious. After working on my trunnions, and replacing the OE bolts with the ones that came with the CompCams kit, which I initially installed, I kept the OE bolts, and tossed them in my "spare hardware" cabinet. I just went downstairs and took a look at them. I'm kind of surprised at what I found. The OE bolts are formed with a "lip" under the hex head, for lack of a better description. The "sealant", or whatever it is, appears to have been a dap that was applied to the lip, but not the threads.

How this would provide any sealing of the threaded holes, if that was the intention, is beyond me.........
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Old Mar 4, 2023 | 09:00 AM
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Many use a small amount if RTV on the threads on the bolts that enter the chamber. I doubt any air enters the runner after they are torqued, but better safe than sorry if the rebuilding books suggest it.
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Old Mar 4, 2023 | 10:17 AM
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Isn't this only a problem with ported heads?
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Old Mar 4, 2023 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by G_Loc
Isn't this only a problem with ported heads?
No. IIRC, all LS1/LS6 threaded rocker mounting bolt holes extend into the intake ports.
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Old Mar 4, 2023 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by CinciZ06
Many use a small amount if RTV on the threads on the bolts that enter the chamber. I doubt any air enters the runner after they are torqued, but better safe than sorry if the rebuilding books suggest it.
As I mentioned, my rocker bolts did show evidence of some sort of sealant, but none is on the threads. I have an FSM, and checked the "rocker arm installation" procedure, and none is mentioned.

My OE rocker arm bolts.... note, the threads are clean.


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Old Mar 5, 2023 | 02:35 AM
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Originally Posted by grinder11
No. IIRC, all LS1/LS6 threaded rocker mounting bolt holes extend into the intake ports.
When they port the LS1 heads they remove part of the rocker bolt boss because it blocks airflow. That in turn opens up the threads to the port.

Sealer to the rescue. Lol
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Old Mar 5, 2023 | 10:05 AM
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Thanks for the replies, i'm going to use Hylomar M on the threads to seal them.
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Old Mar 5, 2023 | 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Fast one
Thanks for the replies, i'm going to use Hylomar M on the threads to seal them.
Thats only if they have been ported. Otherwise it’s not needed
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Old Mar 6, 2023 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by vette4fl
When they port the LS1 heads they remove part of the rocker bolt boss because it blocks airflow. That in turn opens up the threads to the port.

Sealer to the rescue. Lol
Thanks, Bill!! Learned something new today!! Been around ported heads so long I guess I've forgotten. But I did say IIRC!! BTW, I don't know if the filter elements of the Z06 and base models are the same or not. Do you know? I'm guessing they are.
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Old Mar 6, 2023 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by grinder11
Thanks, Bill!! Learned something new today!! Been around ported heads so long I guess I've forgotten. But I did say IIRC!! BTW, I don't know if the filter elements of the Z06 and base models are the same or not. Do you know? I'm guessing they are.
Identical… 👍
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Old Mar 6, 2023 | 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by CinciZ06
I doubt any air enters the runner after they are torqued...
The sealant is to prevent oil from seeping past the threads and into the intake port. Whoever assembled the engine in mine (long before I owned it) omitted this, and the #1 and #8 plugs were badly fouled. When I pulled the intake so I could clean the threads the engine hadn't been running in 12+ hours, but oil was still slowly oozing down the port onto the back of the valves.
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