ARP heads studs and MLS gaskets

dbv8 · Post by **dbv8** » Wed Jan 21, 2015 7:22 am

Whats the recommended procedure?
Which if any thread sealant do i use and what torques settings?

The block is still looking very smooth and fresh since the top hats were fitted despite a couple of blown elring gaskets and the heads being off a couple times. The heads are away to be refurbished properly and will come back with a super smooth face.

DEVONMAN · Post by **DEVONMAN** » Wed Jan 21, 2015 9:20 am

The ARP Head Stud Instructions state that for blind holes in the block (RV8) the studs should be lubricated with engine oil or ARP assembly lube and screwed by hand into the block.

It states that the torque setting for the nuts is 65 ft lbs for an aluminium engine using ARP moly assembly lube. Due to the fine threads in the nuts this value will give greater clamping force that the standard OE bolts.

Regards Denis

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Jan 21, 2015 10:35 am

Hi
if the studs are going into blind holes I dip the ends in either copper slip or ordinary grease, put them in finger tight then turn them back 1/4 turn and use the ARP stuff on the fine threads on the other end. Personally I think it very important to make sure I do the 1/4 turn back so there is no risk of the stud bottoming out. As for the MLS gaskets I just make sure the surfaces are clean and degreased and that they do not bind on the studs . . . that will be American manufacturing tolerances for you!
best regards
Mike

dbv8 · Post by **dbv8** » Wed Jan 21, 2015 4:38 pm

Cheers guys.
Last time i used no lube at all and nipped the studs in a touch with an allen key and torqued to 85lb. Oops. maybe why i blew the head gaskets.

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Jan 21, 2015 4:52 pm

Hi
the only reason for the lube on the threads in the block is so they do not stick themselves in.
Good luck, I had a really good season with my MLS gaskets last year absolutely no leaks, but I did have the heads skimmed by a couple of thou last winter.
Best regards
Mike

dbv8 · Post by **dbv8** » Wed Jan 21, 2015 5:24 pm

My heads are currently at Dave Knights getting a proper going over so i expect them to come back with a very clean finish

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Jan 21, 2015 6:07 pm

Hi
that is where mine went last year, very happy with the result. Both my blocks are now the small block being line honed the big one having the works done.
best regards
Mike

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Wed Jan 21, 2015 8:58 pm

dbv8 wrote:My heads are currently at Dave Knights getting a proper going over so i expect them to come back with a very clean finish

Knighty does a good job Del. I'll be taking some of my stuff to him next week after the engine comes out this Sunday