head stud question

[freeman 188]

when you install your arp studs do you put moly lube on the treads going into the block or just like the factory bolts dry ,because I don,t see a post on this.

 

[BubbleGumRacing]

I've always installed them dry.

 

[JamiesTSI]

No moly on the threads that go into the block. Be sure to run a tap in the block before you install the studs. I put the studs in the block by hand till they bottom out then back them off 1/4 turn.

 

[16g-2ndgen]

why should you run a tap in the block before installing the studs? some people would like to know. they give you the moly lube in the box, and also a set of quick basic directions. use the lube or 30wt motor oil on the thread part that goes into the block. it says to go to 80 ftlbs with the moly lube and go to 100ftlbs with the 30wt motor oil. remember the 3 step sequence also.

 

[1992awdlaser]

No lube is needed. I put thread locker on mine though.

 

[TOONAH]

Let an old timer clear this up for you. After oven baking a block, bead blasting and final wash
a certain amount of debris can lodge inside the female stud receptacles. You use a cleaning tap with a flat end to clean out all the debris. I also check that the threads all go down to the same length. By the feel of how the tap comes out you can tell that the threads are all nice and clean and that they will all torque down the same. Moly lube is the same as anti-seize compound. You do indeed put a conservative smear on the threads that go in to the block. One day you might want to take the studs out again and the moly lube will prevent them from seizing. How much torque should you use to anchor the studs? Finger tight is good. We used to use Loctite 242 (blue) but the engineers said that the clamping force (85 lbs ft) would hold the studs secure. You also put a very conservative smear on the cap end threads. The lubricating effect of the moly lube guarantees that the torque will be true on all the stud nuts.
Much ado is made of the stretching of studs. This is something that we mechanics have no control over. We follow the manufactures installation guide and leave the stretching business to the Gods. We never re-use Arp studs., or OEM bolts. They are both one use items. Thats what the so called pros always told me but motors that I rebuilt with the same old tired factory mains bolts are still running strong. If you are building a flat out $100K race car, then
a different philosophy kicks in. Its your call really. How much money are you going to pump into that DSM hunk a junk?
I have over $12K into mine and it still sits all alone in my storage unit waiting for me to make it live again.