CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Maintenance => Topic started by: dutch on May 06, 2015, 01:57:31 AM

Title: Fel Pro - gray bolt prep..
Post by: dutch on May 06, 2015, 01:57:31 AM
I assembled an engine a few years ago using Fel Pro gray bolt prep on the head bolts and never retorqued the bolts - although the head gaskets (also Fel Pro) were a type that specified as not needing it to be done.
Question - does anyone know if gray bolt prep remains flexible and useful enough to allow bolts to be retorqued at any point.
I do recall that it did specify that head bolts could be retightened after the first heat /cool cycle using it - but does anyone know if it would be possible even after a couple of years of moderate use - or will it have hardened up to a point where any additional tightening will just create more problems than it might fix?
Thanks - my understanding is that it is no longer available, if so are there any best alternatives to it? - Randy
 
Title: Re: Fel Pro - gray bolt prep..
Post by: JohnZ on May 06, 2015, 04:16:27 PM
I assembled an engine a few years ago using Fel Pro gray bolt prep on the head bolts and never retorqued the bolts - although the head gaskets (also Fel Pro) were a type that specified as not needing it to be done.
Question - does anyone know if gray bolt prep remains flexible and useful enough to allow bolts to be retorqued at any point.
I do recall that it did specify that head bolts could be retightened after the first heat /cool cycle using it - but does anyone know if it would be possible even after a couple of years of moderate use - or will it have hardened up to a point where any additional tightening will just create more problems than it might fix?
Thanks - my understanding is that it is no longer available, if so are there any best alternatives to it? - Randy
 

I don't know for sure, but I've built enough SB Chevy engines with Permatex #2 on the head bolt threads to learn to leave them alone. Why fiddle with them after all that time and risk breaking the thread seal in the deck?
Title: Re: Fel Pro - gray bolt prep..
Post by: L78 steve on May 08, 2015, 04:45:22 PM
I agree. If it ain't broke. I use #2 or ARP sealant.