weird head bolt question

[njoliver]

alright this isnt a 5.0 question but it is a general engine question I think. I bought a truck for real cheap with a freshly rebuilt 350 in it. There is white assembly grease coming out of the head bolts ( outside ones). I dont know if they are backing off or what? Any one ever have this before? should I just torque them? Any help would be appreciated thanks

 

[71 blown vert]

Does it smell like coolant? Lower bolt holes need to be sealed and if not they can leak or if its a very small leak it can foam a little and thicken up. Just a guess though.

 

[SpartaPerformance]

I've never used or seen or heard of anyone using assembly lube on head bolts. I'ld make sure it's not some kind of coolant or oil foaming up. You can try torqueing them and see what happens.

 

[rainman38501]

head bolts

anytime you have a bolt that the threads go into coolant passages you will use a sealer on the threads!this is common in engine building but most people never see it if it is done properly! not enough and you have leaks, too much and you have a white mess!

 

[njoliver]

it is like thick white grease, it doesnt smell or look like coolant. I can wipe it off and it comes back out? I never this happen before but I have been finding alot of wierd things with this engine

 

[mr_josh]

If it's coming back out, you've almost certainly got oil mixing with coolant. Hate to say it but I'd immediately pull those heads, check that they're true, and then bolt them back on with sealant on the right bolts.