Scott,

I have ARP studs with the Teflon sealer on the threads going into the block, but I have water traveling up the studs through the nuts and leaking. Not all of the studs are leaking, but I'm wondering that if it is coming through the studs, what about the head gasket? I don't have any apparent leaking that I can find in the heads as bubbles in the radiator or milky water in oil.

I am using SCE copper head gaskets with Hylomar sealing both sides of the gaskets. I have Dart heads.

Can I use your idea of Locktite Wick-n-Lock with confidence that the head gasket is OK? After draining the radiator, do I leave the nut tight on the studs and then put the Wick-n-Lock on or do I loosen them first? Should I have maybe used the Hylomar on the threads or do you think that the Teflon was a good choice?

Please help, I really need your expertise.

Bob Foust

Bob,

Unfortunately, your problem is quite common. Here is what works for me.

1. Put liquid Teflon sealer on threads going into the block.

2. Coat both sides of your head gaskets with copper coat spray.

3. With your finger, apply a small amount of silicone around the water jacket holes on the deck.

4. Set your head gasket on.

5. With your finger, apply a small amount of silicone to the exposed water jacket holes on the head gasket.

6. Now, place your cylinder head on.

7. Apply a bead of silicone on your head stud washers and install them over the studs, silicone side down.

8. Install nuts and torque down heads in 3 steps.

9. Let gaskets relax for about 10 minutes and then re-torque.

I usually use a stainless steel wire O-ring with a matching receiver groove when I use copper head gaskets to ensure total cylinder sealing.

This should help.

Scott

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