Thread sealant on header bolts?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Truck82

Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2024
Posts
76
Reaction score
151
Location
Alderton
First Name
Christopher
Truck Year
1982
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
Just wanted to know what y’all do when installing headers.
Thread sealant on bolts or not?
I’ve heard both yes and know and want your opinion and experience.
Thank you all in advance!
 

Truck82

Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2024
Posts
76
Reaction score
151
Location
Alderton
First Name
Christopher
Truck Year
1982
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
seal 'em from what?

Ive put grease or anti seize on 'em to keep from rusting stuck and breakin' off when removal time comes
I thought they might be connected with an oil passage? Maybe I’m stupid but a bolt on the back side of my manifold is leaking oil. I’m swapping the stock manifolds out for long tube headers and didn’t want any more leaks
 

Bennyt

Full Access Member
Joined
May 17, 2019
Posts
1,201
Reaction score
1,850
Location
Surprise
First Name
Ben
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
Always anti-seize on the bolts.

Ways to keep them tight:
Frequent retorque
Bolts that have cam locks
Washers with fold over tabs
Drill the bolt heads and use lock wire

Do not use lock washers!
 

PrairieDrifter

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2014
Posts
3,853
Reaction score
5,646
Location
North Dakota
First Name
Mason
Truck Year
84,79,77,76,70,48
Truck Model
Suburban k10, bonanza k10, k30, k20, c10, gmc 1/2ton
Engine Size
350, 350, 350, 350, 350, 350
Valve cover leak or someone ram rodded too long of a bolt in possibly, but I doubt that would hit oil.
 

Truck82

Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2024
Posts
76
Reaction score
151
Location
Alderton
First Name
Christopher
Truck Year
1982
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
Valve cover leak or someone ram rodded too long of a bolt in possibly, but I doubt that would hit oil.
I just replaced the valve covers and gasket so I think I can rule that one out. Could still be possible. It’s happened to me before.
 

PrairieDrifter

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2014
Posts
3,853
Reaction score
5,646
Location
North Dakota
First Name
Mason
Truck Year
84,79,77,76,70,48
Truck Model
Suburban k10, bonanza k10, k30, k20, c10, gmc 1/2ton
Engine Size
350, 350, 350, 350, 350, 350
I just replaced the valve covers and gasket so I think I can rule that one out. Could still be possible. It’s happened to me before.
Shouldn't be intake or oil press sending unit. Those usually run on the bottom surface of the head. Either residual or valve cover.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
44,152
Posts
950,447
Members
36,268
Latest member
JUKA
Top