ShinodaVette

I have a set of brand new Trick Flow aluminum heads on my engine. In a couple places in the Trick Flow head instructions, they are adamant that you should never use anti-seize on any bolts going into the heads. They recommend only using a coating of motor oil. Does anybody know why they would recommend against using anti-seize? Everything else I've ever read highly recommends using anti-seize due to the bolt and head being different metals. I am putting mostly stainless steel bolts into the heads and don't want to have to redo them later. So far all I have in is the intake bolts and I only used the coating of oil as they recommended but I'm wondering if I'm going to see oil seepage around the bolts.

Anybody have any thoughts on this?

Ironcross

The bolts are going into cast iron. same as if the heads were cast iron instead pof aluminum. However if you have to stud anywhere on the heads {threaded holes} anti seize would be in order. For example spark plugs, use anti seize...

FB007

Why SS bolts? Why?

ShinodaVette

I was referring mostly to the header bolts, accessory bolts, spark plugs, etc. The intake bolts are into the aluminum heads as well. Trick Flow says anti-seize is a "no no" for these. I just don't understand why. I'll probably contact them tomorrow for clarification.

yellow 72

Be sure to post their explanation, I use anti seize in all threaded holes in my Trick Flows

C3 Stroker

Anti-seize on intake bolts (as well as other places, like timing covers, etc.) will allow the bolts to loosen under ordinary use....something you really don't want. This info was included in installation tips when I got my Trick Flows. It's been some years, so maybe they don't include this info presently. Spark plugs are changed frequently, and you generally like them to come out easily.

Fevre

Been using anti-seize on my header bolts and spark plugs for years with my TF heads , not problems.

SS does not corrode or rust, use SS myself

Scott Marzahl

The issue is more than likely galvanic corrosion depending upon the anti seize used. It's possible to wear the actual thread out. As long as you use a graphite based anti seize there shouldn't be an issue. I would check if they have any concern with SS in their aluminum alloy too.

V-Twin

Double check the galvanic table again, it's also called stain-less...there's a reason for that

ShinodaVette

For what it's worth:

Trick Flow Tech response about not using anti-seize:

You need a certain amount of friction to acquirer the proper torque. When you use anti-seize you cant acquirer the proper friction so you over torque and you either pull out the threads or don’t achieve proper torque.

Trick Flow Tech response about using stainless steel bolts:

You should be fine.


I'm not sure I'm in agreement with the anti-seize explanation; maybe if a person just gobbed it in there? I would think a light coating would not cause a problem and am still leaning toward using it.

Project80

Did Trick Flow have an explanation of why it's ok to put a coating of motor oil on the threads?

wombvette

Sounds like their FOS.

Jud Chapin

Definitely use anti-seize on spark plugs going into aluminum heads.

ratflinger

If you are talking about torqued bolts, such as the head bolts themselves, then follow the bolt manufacturers recommendations. (You are using ARP, right?) ARP bolts have torque specs based upon whether you are using oil or their lube, they don't have specs for anti-seize coating. On non-torqued bolts, do what you want.