The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk What locktite to use?

When assembling engine what product would be best for the oil pan, side cover and valve cover bolts.They seem to always work loose and start seeping oil.

Any thoughts?

I now only use this product recommended by a life-long professional engine-only rebuilder:

gasgacinch
I "glue"/seal the gasket to the sheet metal part, and also use a little engine oil (or grease) on the other side of the gasket.

http://gasgacinch.com/

Two essential precautions/actions:
- make sure sheet metal surfaces are straight and smooth and contoured where appropriate
- do not over-tighten the sheet metal screws

I have had no leaks over many years.

I've not had problems with engine bolts falling out, therefore I don't believe loctite is necessary, and is just asking for trouble and aggravation later.
For sure don't over tighten and deform sheet metal parts, then they do leak.

Follow Tim's advice.
Or I use gasket cement (contact adhesive) to similar effect on sheet metal covers/pans, one side only. Oil or grease on opposite side of valve cover so it's reusable. Permatex #2 on the other (or both sides) of gaskets I don't expect to save at disassembly.

"Loose" bolts on sheet metal parts are actually caused by cheap gaskets compressing a little. If you lock the bolts in place, you'll end up with leaks due to the inability to do a final tightening after the gaskets settle into their final shape. I like to start out with a completely straight piece of sheet metal, use a brush-on sealer like Permatex Super 300 that stays pliable for years, and tighten the bolts right the first time. Run the bolt in until all the slack is taken up, then tighten it approximately 1/4 turn further to get a little compression on the gasket. After a few days of running and a few heat/cool cycles, recheck the bolts and snug any of them that appear to be loose. Don't overdo it!
Jerry

If you use Locktite, the blue will allow disassembly with hand tools, the red will generally require an impact wrench to remove the fasteners.

Red Loctite requires heat- - - - -500+ degrees. An impact wrench will simply break the bolt off. For fasteners under 1/4" in diameter, there's also a purple colored low-strength threadlocker. I use a lot of it on rifle scope mount screws.
Jerry