Im getting confused here.....My Mechanic says to use the avaition form-a-gasket from Permatex. He says that if it's for avaition you know it's meant for vibriation and lots of stress...ARP says just use oil or their lube. They mention I can use loc-tite if I want but it isn't neccessary if there torqued to 50lbs. Several here on the board have mentioned teflon tape,GM Teflon sealer,loc-tite,Indian Head and Permatex....Napa,Advance Auto and Autozone all carry ONLY Permatex. They have a red hi-strength threadlocker that says it's for rocker studs but dosn't say a word about sealing. Since Im using L31Vortec heads (SBC) im running into water passages...My question is this IF ARP is reccomends using 30wt oil dosen't this mean that a thread locker is not needed? Now in my mind (Yeah it's small thats why im posting ) You might need a thread locker at least a little. The Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket says its intented "gaskets,machined surfaces and screw thread connections of airplane and automobile engines"
HELP!!!!!!

Bad-Habit

If they are going into the water jacket then you will have to use some sort of sealant. I use a teflon pipe dope. Not tape.

DONT use red locktite. They will never come out again. I use "High Tack" when needed.

Red loctite comes out with a torch. Needs around 450 degrees to kill the bond.

Local automotive parts houses don't carry the different types of Loctite. You have to go to an industrial supply house for it.
If you can't find any, use a light coating of oil and torque'em real good.

Like I said on the other thread, the only reason to use a "sealer" on threads is when the bolt holes or stud mounting is open to water or oil.
An aircraft piston engine uses long studs that thread into the crankcase. They are open to oil and require sealing to prevent leaks.

And like I said before, only those Loctite model numbers I listed require heat for removal. They aren't all like that.

Automotive rocker studs do not thread into holes that are open to water passages. That's why a "sealer" is not required.
If you aren't building a full blown race engine, then Loctite is probably not required.

Click here to answer your questions and clear up misconseptions about Loctite products.
Loctite Thread Compounds

On most big block chevy heads, the intake rocker studs go through to the intake runner and are a possible source of oil contamination into the port. I just use teflon sealer on these, oil on the exhaust, and torque TO HEAD MANUFACTURER SPECS.

Iggy Now you have really got me confused I've been told that on small block chevy's that they do thread into the water jackets! I mean when I took the studs out water came out.....What gives?

Bad-Habit

Teflon pipe sealant.

As far as I know they don't.
I don't recall ever seeing ones that did. The pressed in studs go into a blind hole. I don't think drilling and tapping opens them up that big.
I'll look into it and let you know.

PLEASE DO!!!! Because mine sure do

Bad-Habit