HEAD STUD SEALANT

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Wed Apr 11, 2012 11:35 am

Would a guy be better off using Permatex 1 (hardening)
or permatex 2 (non-hardening) to seal coolant leaks @
head studs. Both 1 and 2 are mentioned in previous posts.

evanso1975 · Post by **evanso1975** » Wed Apr 11, 2012 1:21 pm

From the Permatex website:

Permatex® Form-A-Gasket® No. 1 Sealant
Fast-drying, hard-setting sealant designed for sealing rigid materials and flanges, or patching holes and joints where permanent assembly is desired. Temperature range -65°F to 400°F (-54°C to 204°C); resists common shop fluids and fuels.
Suggested Applications: Freeze plugs, threaded connections, manifold gaskets

Permatex® Form-A-Gasket® No. 2 Sealant
Slow-drying, non-hardening sealant designed for sealing cut gaskets and stamped parts. Allows for easy disassembly if required. Temperature range -65°F to 400°F (-54°C to 204°C); resists common shop fluids and fuels. Use where sealing is more important than adhesion.
Suggested Applications: Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets

That bit I highlighted in bold text should answer your question. However, as with all questions in life the manufacturer should know best.

Their contact details are here:
http://www.permatex.com/about_contact.htm

Wbr,
Owen.

artificer · Post by **artificer** » Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:52 pm

Any GM dealer will have head/thread stud sealer in a 4oz can. Dip studs in sealnt & screw in finger tight into block ensuring all threads are @ the deck level [do not torqe the studs by double nutting or any other method].

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Thu Apr 12, 2012 9:15 am

Permatex tech support recommends neither 1 or 2.
They recommend #59214 hi-temp thread sealant.
Napa Balkamp # 765-2648 (4 mil tube), 765-1155 (50 mil tube).

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Thu Apr 12, 2012 2:50 pm

I used the #59214 high temp thread sealant. Haven't had a problem yet. I also use the same stuff on all my pvc plumbing.

Just a guess but if I were to choose between the hardening & non-hardening I'd go with the non-hardening in the chance it might mess up the threads if you remove the studs. Plus when you re-torque, you need it to be pliable.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 1:02 am

Remember you do not torque or retorque head studs. You torque and retorque head nuts on an L134. The stud is not suppose to move during either process so a hardening sealer on the threads is not an issue.

I've used Permatex 1 for 40 years without any problems. Yes there are newer, fancier and more specific products today that even cost more but are not really necessary on this 3/4 century old engine.

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:41 am

I used the Permatex high-temp sealant on my M38 engine studs but after having some leakage issues went back to Permatex #1. The high-temp stuff was a rather thin, almost watery compound and the coarse threads of the studs seemed to me to require a thicker sealant. I'm sure the high temp sealer is good stuff for fine threads but maybe not coarse thread head studs installed finger tight - just my 2 cents.

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Sun Apr 15, 2012 10:53 pm

Thanks for pointing out my error Wes. I have head bolts not studs so the stuff I'm using is probably is not the best. FYI, you have to knead the tube before using the high-temp stuff or it's too runny.