Replacing heads on 89 2.9

[saling4]

I was just putting the new head bolts in and noticed a piece of paper that came with them. It said "determine which bolts enter a water jacket and coat with non-hardening silicone". Any idea which these might be and what to use? Thanks for any help I am on hold til I figure this out.

 

[IMenriched]

I'm guessing that it is Broad disclaimer thing..... IF a bolt hole broke thru the block into a water jacket during the manufacturing process...then that would then offer a place where coolant could wick past the threads and leak to the top of the head... subsquently into the oil!

In your case...neither manual I have indicate anything about applying sealant or thread goop of anykind.

if you can see that the bolt hole is soild...meaning the hole and or threads are not exposed into a water jacket and or the threads are not broken out/damaged. no worries! You should make sure that there is nothing in the bottom of the hole anyway....give them a shot/blast of compressed air...CAREFULL "stuff" may...will... come flying back at ya. If it don't... look closer at that hole, it may indicate that air is leaking where it shouldn't.

If you do see a hole exposing to a water jacket...then a light coat of RVT sealant on the bolt threads...but do it quick! don't let the sealent "tack up" or or get gummy....those bolt are rated for just so much, if you let them get too tacky or set up then you won't achieve proper torque on the bolts & possibably have a leaker...& of course, pay attention the torque sequence.

 

[saling4]

Thanks IMenrich. My books didn't say anything either and I got a bit worried. My thinking was "Who would design a head bolt into a water jacket?". Thanks again I feel much better now.

 

[IMenriched]

You are welcome chime back in when you're up and running!

let us know how it went