John's Shark

I pulled my intake to fix some oil leaks and would like to know what's the best sealant to put on the intake bolt threads to prevent oil from weeping up the bolt holes and soiling my manifold. I have heard various forum members use RTV or teflon tape. It seems like teflon tape would be the cleanest way to go since I don't know how you could coat the bolts with RTV and not get it on the clean manifold . What do you think?

scottw

I think most use the RTV for the side instead of the side rubber seals and use teflon tape for the bolts.

1LE

Ive used the blue RTV for my intake bolts. Just put some on the threads of the bolts. Works for me.

SprintCarDriver

I used ARP bolts sealant for the first time on the engine I just rebuilt and the stuff works great. (Patting hisself on the back) First engine that I have built that did not have one single leak. No where... :D

shoptek

I was fighting minor leaks up the threads forever. I tried the Permatex non hardening sealer, etc.
The white teflon tape did the trick for me.
Just my $.02

JYD69_427

Another teflon tape vote. Just make sure you wrap it around the bolt in the correct direction so it doesn't unwrap when you screw the bolt in.

63Banshee

For proper torque on bolts that pass into oil passages you should only put oil on the threads, no exceptions.

vettfixr

I used Fel-Pro Grey Bolt Prep on the intake and head bolts. Two years now and not one leak. It also acts as an anti-seize and doesn't harden.

74-Roadster

I used the teflon tape and no leaks. The book I have says to use tape, or other thread selant/lubricant for proper torque readings. The torque should read the pressur force from the threads and not the friction created.

RMS73

Teflon tape is a dry lubricant not a sealant. Use the tape to get the proper bolt torque IF the stated torque value is for a lubricated bolt. If you are having a leak: the oil is wicking up the threads then you need a lubricant.
For a sealant I use a Loctite non hardening sealant No 597, I think the number is correct. For a threading lubricant I use a Loctite or Chesterton teflon/nickel based lubricant/anti-seize compound. I believe the anti-seize compound is well worth it years later when the bolts easily unscrew. Teflon tape will not ensure the easy removal years later.
Roger

Pedro'74

I've been using Permatex #2 (non-hardening), and it works pretty good.

-Pedro

Marv

JohnsShark-

Permatex #2 non-hardening gets my vote too. I really believe chasing and cleaning the threads in the head first is the "Key to success" for any sealant. My 2 cents and good luck.

Marv-