I am rebuilding my SBC and noticed sealer on some of the head bolts when I removed them. Does there need to be a sealer applied when reassembling and if so what should I used. The motor will be stock.

A good quality pipe dope always worked for me.

ARP sells sealer under their name. However it is really Locktite PST. Don't scrimp on this seemingly minor item. Use good stuff.

I've been using #2 permatex for years. If you use it ( or anything) on one bolt, use it on all of them equally.

BT

I've been using Chem-Tec red high temp RTV after having leakage around the head studs on one of Dyno's engines. Used Permatex the first time around.

Crazyhorse... are you saying the #2 permatex failed to seal the threads and the only change you made was to RTV then all was well? How long did the permatex take to start leaking? This is not good new too me, so some substantiating detail would be appreciated.

BT

The last time I did mine I tried permatex hylomar. I don't know how this will work out. Hylomar (I think that is how it is spelled) was made by rolls royce to seal their jet motors. It is a non hardening sealer.

Has any one else tried this stuff???

Ihave always used Permatex #2 and never had a problem.

Dyno had a cylinder head stud kit that he wanted to use on one of his engines and after using Permatex on the studs the water seeped out of the fine threads above the nuts and washers. I will say this- I've never had any kind of leakage issue with stock or aftermarket cylinder head bolts, and up until recently, I never used any sealer on the threads. I lubricated the threads and torqued the head bolts.

Use a small amount of teflon thread sealer on all the bolts or studs and you will be fine.