Flathead head bolts

Im running stock 8ba head bolts with fenton alluminum heads, i cant seem to stop water leaks coming from behind about 3 or 4 bolts on each head. Any suggestions? are those bolts to short? do they make longer ones for alluminum heads, or should i stud the heads? any help would be great, its really annoying everytime im done driving the car there water running down through the fins of my heads like a maze.

thanks

 

Good information here.
http://www.flatheadv8.org/rumblest/heads.pdf

 

Use Permatex on your bolt threads.
Do you have any more sets of those fenton heads?
Paul

 

im gonna pull the bolts and try that, i believe theres already some rtv, or permatex on them but im gonna try to put a little more...

no more heads, these were impossible to find, im always looking, im a big fan of vintage fenton speed equip!!

 

Make sure the threads are REALLY clean. Put a coat of permatex or Marine stud sealer on the threads. Make sure you cover all the threads with a nice even coat. Re-install and torque to spec using the proper sequence starting with about 25 lbs. and increasing in 10 lb,. increments until final torque is reashed. After you reach final torque go over the pattern a couple more times to make sure all are torqued even.. A set of hardened washers should be used under bolts or nuts that are being torqued onto an aluminum surface.

Frank

 

I find that you should also re tork them after a heating and cooling cycle, do this a couple of times.

 

Warped Heads?

 

what Frank sez. I did the same recently and had one leaker; pulled it, re-applied sealant and it's been fine.

 

3 or 4 leakers? Only one leaker? Jeeze you guys were lucky! Try 12 leakers!

I had used Permatex on the studs and they still leaked. Had to add some Silver Seal in the coolant to plug them up, but they still seep a little.

 

One thing that hasnt been mentioned.

I agree on the hardened washers, BUT I always put a dab of moly on the top surface of the washer that meets the underside of the head bolt, this stops knurling of the two so you get an even torque on the head bolt, you'd be surprised the difference it can make.

especially as prior to doing this I use to torque in the 3 sequences then heat and cool the motor and retorque, you could find yourself doing this four or five times until they settle in.

 

Permatex and that white brush on goo just make a mess. Put anti-sieze on your bolts before inserting. That's the only thing that's ever worked for me.

Mike