Is thread sealer needed for a Holley 4160 air vent rod retainer screw?

[Gary B.]

I’m planning to replace the pitted retainer (see photo) for the air vent rod on the Holley 4160 list 3367 on my ‘66 L79. When I install the new retainer, should I use any thread sealer on the threads of the screw that secures the retainer to the front bowl?

Thanks,

Gary

[John L.]

Gary,
thread sealer would probably be a good idea, since the threaded hole extends into the bowl chamber. but the fuel level in the bowl will never reach the height of the screw and cause a leakage problem.
John

[Gary B.]

John,

Thanks. I thought the fuel level would be below the hole with those threads. But with Holley’s the fuel level is below a design level, until one day when it isn’t. Although I suppose gas would just come out the vent hole in that case.

is the brown Permatex aviation stuff an OK choice for those threads?

Gary

[John L.]

A question for you, Gary,

I’ve usually seen phillips head fillister screws in that position.
what are your thoughts?
John

[Gary B.]

John,

I hadn’t thought about that screw drive until you asked. In looking at half a dozen other 3367 examples on the internet, it appears that Phillips is more common. But I can find both Phillips and slotted screws. The 3367 in my photo is the one my ‘66 was born with; restored by Eric Jackson. Eric knew the restoration was for a car to be NCRS flight judged and I told him to correct anything that would be a judging issue. I had bought a backup 3367 about 25 years ago, which Jerry Luck restored. That one also has a slotted screw, like my original. But I don’t really know the answer.

Gary

[David H.]

Gary

Have you considered Hylomar Blue for this application? Resistant to gasoline, etc.

https://hylomar.com/product/universal-blue/

Originally developed in 1960's for sealing jet engines, now used in many applications (also now many variations ).

https://hylomar.com

Dave

[Gary B.]

Dave,

Not only haven’t I ever used the Hylomar, I’ve never heard of it. It sounds like good stuff. You’d just need to be discreet in applying it so the blue doesn’t show.

Gary