Coolant leaking from header bolts

[ryanb73]

Hi guys, another question.  I currently have hedman hedders and am using the crappy paper type gasket and the header bolts that came with them.  Several times I have pulled the header bolts and put thread sealer on them but they still leak coolant.  Would good copper header gaskets fix this or does anyone have any other suggestions that might help?  This is a problem that has been going on for quite awhile now and you guys were so helpful on my last question I thought if anyone would know it would be you guys.
Thanks,
Ryan

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The type of gasket really wouldn't matter here. What type of sealant are you using?

[brads70]

 

[Chryco Psycho]

the problem is sealing the threads not the gaskets , you need to use teflon tape & pipe dope possibly , if there is a helicoil in there it may never seal as the coolant could be leaking between the helicoil & the head not between the bolt

[moparmaniac59]

Try using studs in lieu of bolts (if you can). Seat the studs firmly on the stud shoulder & coat the studs with permatex #2 sealant. If The bolt holes are worn, you could have studs (or bolts) made at a machine shop with a zero clearance fit.

[72hemi]

I believe I used the brown permatex. It turns rock hard. Will probably be a nightmare to remove later but it stopped the leak.

[acudanut]

I had that problem. It was leaking on one of the rear Exaust bolts.  I just used a longer bolt and it fixed my problem.  However, before I found that out, I assumed it was a head gasket (young and dumb) and pulled the head. All along it was just a need for a longer bolt. 

[moparmaniac59]

Ther are two types of permatex, hardening and non-hardening. They also make a thread sealant. I've had the same leakage problems in the past and tried all the above. Usually one of them or a combination of two gets the job done!!

[ryanb73]

I've been using the permatex (I think) thread sealer.  Its the white goop that comes in the little white squeeze tube.  There are no helicoils in them.  I tried originally using studs but had a heck of a time getting the headers on them and just went with bolts.  I don't think I've ever used or seen the brown stuff.  I will look for it.  Otherwise do you think maybe the ultra copper or something would work better than thread sealer?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Ryan,

  Out of curiousity, what size engine do you have? The Permatex white goop worked on my 440. I'm just wondering if we have something else to deal with here?   


  Mike

[72hemi]

I am pretty sure this is the brown stuff I used

http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_sealants/auto_Permatex_Form-A-Gasket_No_1_Sealant.htm

[ryanb73]

It is a 440.  I actually found an unopened tube of that brown stuff that I had laying around, I just didn't know it was brown.  I don't know what I originally bought it for but I will give that stuff a try.  Do you think there is any advantage to putting the bolts in and letting it sit overnight before filling the coolant or do you guys think that wouldn't matter?  Thanks again for the input.
Ryan

[quapman]

I've had this problem with every big block I've had with headers. Factory studs seem to seal the best, but when those are gone, I use the longer header bolts or stainless or just regular grade 5 or 8 bolts, 1" long. I wrap with teflon tape, no semi-permanent goop, in case I need to remove later.

[acudanut]

 Ya, that's what I said too.

[ryanb73]

Ah ok.  When I saw cudanut's suggestion I looked on summit for header bolts but they just had some exactly like the ones I have and locking ones that cost $50 a set, but no longer ones.  Sounds like its worth putting trying some 1" regular bolts and maybe that brown goop too (since I already have it).  Thanks to cudanut and quapman, I never would have thought of using longer bolts but it makes sense now that I think of it- more thread contact area to seal.