I have a '59 292 Y-block (B9AE code) and I am installing the heads.  I stuck a coat hanger in each head bolt hole and verified they do have a bottom and don't appear to enter the water jacket.  I installed the bolts and torqued them.  Then I ran across a manual that says to install water resistant thread sealant on the threads?  Did I miss something?

The manual is incorrect.  No sealer is required with a Y.



Lawrenceville, GA

Thank you Charlie for responding.  I was anticipating purchasing new head gaskets and starting over.

While searching thru older posts looking for an answer to the sealer question, I ran across several regarding the need to replace the head bolts with new because the old bolts have probably stretched.  My engine was running perfectly before I tore it down only in a effort to seal a few leaks and to repaint everything before returning it to my restomod '56 F100.  Are stretched bolts a common problem, and should I just replace them while I have the motor out?  If I were to replace them, can I replace one at a time without replacing the head gasket again, or will that cause additional issues?

The grade six head bolts are notorious for stretching as they age.  I’ve never had an issue with the factory installed grade eight bolts so I’ll reuse those but any of the older grade six bolts I’ll replace with new grade eight bolts.  The grade six bolts can be recognized as having four hash marks on their tops while the grade eight bolts have six hash marks.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Where are the grade eight bolts available ? I've only found stud kits..

John Mummert sells a grade 8 head bolt kit which are ARP bolts.  An alternative is to simply go to any bolt manufacturer and get the appropriate ½-13 grade eight bolts in the appropriate lengths.  I have used the local Fastenal in the past to provide the necessary grade eight bolts but I use the ARP heads bolts most of the time.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thank you Ted, my old eyes must be failing as I looked at Johns site and missed them. I've seen some recent posts of people having problems with Fastenal bolts being made off shore, don't know how true that is..

if ther is a cat dealer near by they have them. thats wher i purchased myn,also got hardened washers from them.

When purchasing bolts from Fastenal, I just make sure that they are made on this side of the world.  I’ve no problem with bolts made in Canada.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Maybe the sealer is to lubricate the threads in place of oil or grease. ???