Should I put oil on the threads of my head bolts?

[Spoolin4Ever]

Stock head bolts 6 bolt, should I put oil on the threads and on the bottom of the washers? The manual doesn't say anything about this, I guess it is dry according to the DSM CD??

 

[talonDSMerr]

I wouldn't either. Anything foreign, like oil, dirt, dust, etc., in the bolt hole may cause the bolt to bottom out prematurely and, as stated above, throw off torque readings. Even with head studs, you are not supposed to apply oil on the side that goes into the block. Keep it clean and dry!

 

[DSMTyson]

You could either use the ARP ultra torque assembly lube or oil.

 

[Imback]

When you install arp's you use molylube on the threads to give a more accurate torque reading. As far as oem head studs go i'm not to sure since i don't know of anyone who would reuse them.

 

[ed1380]

Yes. For head BOLTS you always dip them in oil.

For studs. No oil on the block threads. And oil on the nut threads and washer



Btw the oem 6bolt studs are not stretch to torque so they can be reused

 

[talonDSMerr]

If you use anything, make sure it's a very light coat. You don't want the oil running off the bolt and settling in the bottom of the bolt hole. For bolts going into thru-holes, you can put as much lubricant as you want, but for blind holes, you need to be careful not to put too much.

 

[99gst_racer]

Yes, definitely lubricate the threads with something. Either moly lube or motor oil.

NEVER install them dry!!

The manual recommends using motor oil, and the OE torque specs are for motor oil as well. If you use moly lube instead, then you don't need to torque them as high as the manual state.

 

[99gst_racer]

Anything foreign, like oil, dirt, dust, etc., in the bolt hole may cause the bolt to bottom out prematurely

This is true, but a few drops of oil on the threads won't cause this to happen. Lubricating the threads and drowning the bolt and hole in oil are two completely different things.

Even with head studs, you are not supposed to apply oil on the side that goes into the block. Keep it clean and dry!

This is only because of the difference between the two fasteners. With a stud, the torquing friction occurs at the nut. With a bolt, it occurs at the threads in the block, and that's why those threads need to be lubricated on a bolt.

 

[talonDSMerr]

Makes sense, and I stand corrected, thanks.

 

[TSIfreek]

Always use oil like a non detergent 30wt oil on the threads and under the head if you can it doesnt hurt for any stock type head bolt.

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

I'll put a small amount thru the threads but not on the bottom.

As far as the washers that go under the head bolt head, should I oil the bottom of the washer a bit?