Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

[Richard M.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

Thanks Leif...

Heads cleaned, all threads washed out with solvent and dried. All 16 inserts installed with Permanent Loctite.....the Green flavor. It's high penetrating made for post bolt assembly but it was recommended to me from my machinist and 2 other race engine builders. It has the highest strength characteristics once cured. It's quite thin so I was generous at each insert, especially at the through hole locations into the lifter valley areas. I used a heat gun as recommended by the manufacturer for a faster cure to help "kick-off" time. Ten minutes later I tried moving each one with a big slotted driver and they all were locked in tight with no movement.

Ready for "second" reassembly.
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Rich

[Joe R.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

Strong work as always, Rich! I had not heard of green Locktite - thanks for the tip.

[Richard M.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

Yes there are 2 Greens. One also for cylinder sleeve repair. The sleeve repair type is positively permanent, 3000 psi break strength.

I used the other green type so if these inserts should ever need to come out, heating to over 300F to soften and they could be unscrewed.

I still plan to use Permatex thread sealant on the 3/8" Intake bolts on the 8 through-hole positions into the oil cavities and a touch of anti-seize on the 8 blind holes.

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

Yes there are 2 Greens. One also for cylinder sleeve repair. The sleeve repair type is positively permanent, 3000 psi break strength.

I used the other green type so if these inserts should ever need to come out, heating to over 300F to soften and they could be unscrewed.

I still plan to use Permatex thread sealant on the 3/8" Intake bolts on the 8 through-hole positions into the oil cavities and a touch of anti-seize on the 8 blind holes.

Rich

Rich------


I would use the BLUE Permatex thread locker (242) on all of the bolts.

[Richard M.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

Rich------

I would use the BLUE Permatex thread locker (242) on all of the bolts.

Joe, I never used threadlocker on Intake bolts, but I've been sitting here thinking about your recommendation. It's because......
It seals the threads from oil escapement, as well as it prevents the bolts from loosening. Correct?

This certainly makes sense. I just have a slight concern about unexpectedly breaking the Green on the inserts free. I think I'll try it and do a quick experiment on one. Blue has a lower break strength than the Green so it should be fine, at least by the specs.

Thanks,
Rich
PS- General comment regarding the head repairs.....
I got a email back from my vendor that sold me the heads. We conversed my phone and email lately. He's been busy prepping for his Carlisle trip. He is reimbursing me for ALL labor and material costs related to the repairs of the heads. He also volunteered to reimburse me for my additional costs for parts runs and several road trips and fuel costs back and forth 25 miles to my engine shop. Quite honorable.

[Joe L.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

Joe, I never used threadlocker on Intake bolts, but I've been sitting here thinking about your recommendation. It's because......
It seals the threads from oil escapement, as well as it prevents the bolts from loosening. Correct?

This certainly makes sense. I just have a slight concern about unexpectedly breaking the Green on the inserts free. I think I'll try it and do a quick experiment on one. Blue has a lower break strength than the Green so it should be fine, at least by the specs.

Thanks,
Rich
PS- General comment regarding the head repairs.....
I got a email back from my vendor that sold me the heads. We conversed my phone and email lately. He's been busy prepping for his Carlisle trip. He is reimbursing me for ALL labor and material costs related to the repairs of the heads. He also volunteered to reimburse me for my additional costs for parts runs and several road trips and fuel costs back and forth 25 miles to my engine shop. Quite honorable.

Rich------

Yes, SEALING and thread locking are the reasons for my recommendation. If you want even less thread locking (but, probably still way more than adequate) use Locktite PURPLE.

I've often found intake manifold bolts somewhat loose after some period of time and miles. Of course, this could be partially due to compression of the manifold gaskets but it could also be partially due to other factors which the Locktite could correct. In any event, you get the sealing effect.

[Richard M.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

Thanks Joe, always appreciate your input.

Rich

[Thomas H.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

I got a email back from my vendor that sold me the heads. We conversed my phone and email lately. He's been busy prepping for his Carlisle trip. He is reimbursing me for ALL labor and material costs related to the repairs of the heads. He also volunteered to reimburse me for my additional costs for parts runs and several road trips and fuel costs back and forth 25 miles to my engine shop. Quite honorable.

Hey Rich,

Been following this thread, makes the brick walls I've been hitting here seem trivial! Way to take the bull by the horns and bring these heads back to life. It is also great to see a vendor stand behind his sale. I'm impressed - on both accounts.

Keep up the diligent work!

Tom

PS: Going to Carlisle this year?

[Richard M.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

Thanks Tom,

You going? Yes I'm going be there Thursday for a few days off. Been a very active project last several months and I'm needing a little breather. I'm hoping to get the engine put together and on the chassis before I go. Leaving Corvettes hre for more Corvettes ther? I guess that means I'm still having fun.

The wife's Jag V12 needs a little work too but she's very understanding and said she'll wait until the Corvette is better after I get back. It's a bit too hot down here for it this time of year anyways and although it has a great factory equipped GM A6 based R12 Air Conditioning system it's tough to keep up with the humidity, along with the heat generated by that V12 packed in the E-Type.

I'll keep an eye for you or give a call, cell 7723211389. I'll be hanging around friends spaces a lot. They're just in front of the restrooms facing the food court. John & Tom. Also with the New England chapter guys at their spots, Dave Strickland & company. We're going to have a moment remembering our dear friend and Corvette buddy Charles "Chuck" McSheehy. This is one of my main reasons for going up this year. I think of him every day when I'm in the shop.

He was my best friend. All due to Corvettes, 10 years ago when we met.

Rich

[Thomas H.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

Rich,

I'll be there Friday and most likely Saturday. Our chapter hosts the NCRS Gallery. I'll be helping staff the Gallery from 10 to noon on Friday then shopping the rest of the day.......... I have your cell.

Tom

[Richard M.]

Re: Big Block Head Intake Bolt Thread Repair

The Intake is on the engine, 16 bolts sealed and torqued. Black Premium Automotive RTV used as end seals and additions spots at water outlets, etc. Rear Ign Shield brackets will be installed later after engine installation to the chassis so they don't get damaged.

For a follow up of engine parts and accessories (multiple) installation issues, go back to the main thread, continued here.

Rich

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