I am planning on running head studs on my build and have only heard good things about them. In a recent thread on another board a couple of members wrote about a problem with ARP head studs leaking.

I would like to discuss the issue of ARP head studs leaking.

What are the issues?

Fixes? GM Cadillac Tabs?

How common is this?

thanks

I've heard of guys putting telfon tape around the threads that go into the cylinder block and it seems to do okay with ARP studs.You could go that route or you could apply some ultra black permatex sealer to the threads.The ultra black is a really good sealer and does the job very well.

Use the liquid teflon sealer by Permatex.

quite a few of the head bolt holes go into the water jackets. new headbolts usually have thread sealant on them. head studs you have to do your self. that should be the only reason why people had leaks

Teflon pipe sealant (PTFE) works well. Studs or bolts must be sealed when they go into open holes connected to the coolant jacket. This includes some of the waterpump mounting holes. Blind holes, such as the GM 5.7d engine did not require the sealant and if used, it could cause thread damage from the bolt pushing against the sealant.

We use blue loctite to lock and seal the studs in the block.

Looks like I will stay with studs and use some kind of sealant. thanks for the tips and keep em coming if you got more.

I use Permatex #2 non hardening sealant. I know it's not going to leak and it will come loose 20 years later. It is a little messy to use.

x2 on permatex

x3 on the Permatex liquid, non-hardening sealant. I use it on all kinds of fittings and used it on head bolts/studs without leaks.

x3 on the Permatex liquid, non-hardening sealant. I use it on all kinds of fittings and used it on head bolts/studs without leaks.

The #2 permatex is also great for threaded oil gallery plugs in the engine blocks,etc.Great stuff indeed.