lead washers

[34gpa]

I sent off and got my valves and guides from a gent who advertises in GM, he said a lot of people are using thread sealer with teflon (ptfe) on the head bolts instead of lead washers. What do you all think? I see Clooney said he used that from a post years ago when he was on here

 

[tim s]

I just put a head on a 60 yesterday, the lead washers were kinda sloppy, and old fashion, I think the thread sealer would be better..

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have used the teflon thread sealer and had good luck. I highly recommend the teflon thread sealing paste that ARP sells. They recommend it for use with all of their stud kits that thread into water jackets. I have used this stuff and their studs on a lot of pulling and racing engines I have worked on. Their paste has some stuff in it you don't find in most teflon paste.

 

[DScott]

I have used thread sealer instead of lead washers with good results.

 

[Radiator Bolt Man]

Here is my take on the lead washers - as relates to Model H tractors. Keep in mind that when a decision to use lead was made, lead was probably about the lowest cost material on the planet! (PatB)
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Use new lead washers under the nuts in center and on top, inside the tappet cavity. Use 3/4 inch copper washer (this washer may be aluminum, copper, or even lead) on oil lead stud, bottom and in the center, inside the tappet cavity. These “soft” washers prevent galling so that accurate torque readings are attained.

 

[36 Coupe]

You can make your own lead washers from lead chimney flashing sold at lumber yards.The round holes can be made with gasket or leather punches.