[spectramitch]

I just whipped these up. I have made the diameter a few thousands different on each to pinpoint the best fit in the hole. I probably will end up redoing all of the flanges with the inserts one day. But I still haven’t broke the motor in fully and I want to get that done soon. Any recommendations on sealant for these?

[mgarblik]

I see what you have done there and it looks like a good try. As far as fit in the counterbore, I would make sure it has plenty of clearance on the ID, not even snug on the stud. Then just a zero slip fit on the OD wall in the counterbore. My thinking is if there is a press fit on the OD, that might open up the crack as it heats up. As far as sealer, I would try epoxy or JB weld. You want the sealer to be somewhat flexible and JB does a good job with that. Once dry and ready to assemble, use plenty of ARP lube on the stud, the nut flange and the top of the washer only. You want the nut to slip on the washer and not tear your aluminum spacer away from the head when torquing in place. Do you have a longer stud your going to need for this repair? I have some 1/2" ARP studs but will need to know the length you need. I can send it along with the sealing powder if you wish. Good luck with it. I would give this repair a 75-80% chance of working. Not bad odds. Good luck with it.

[spectramitch]

Thanks Mike, I have some studs from the old set that I believe I can make work. Ill try this fix out before going to the 'magic dust'. Would you suggest when I set the spacer with epoxy in the hole that I install the stud and do a finger tight torque while it sets? I was thinking a light torque like 20 ft/lbs just to make sure its seated.

[mgarblik]

That sounds like a good idea. Bars leak powder or GM cooling system tabs should go in the radiator as well. Not as good as the stuff I have but for any weepers that are left, it works. Every new GM car sold has some in the radiator.

[spectramitch]

Just wanted to update and say that my head is no longer leaking! I first installed the spacer with aviation form a gasket slathered around. Then I added the Ac Delco Cooling system tabs crushed up into the radiator. I was skeptical of the tablets at first but my research is showing that new cars employ sealers like this as standard procedure. It really is some magic stuff. Thanks for the suggestion Mike

[steve25]

Good news to hear!

[mgarblik]

That is good news. That powdered sealer saved our butts many times at the drag races. When you have a match race to run and people expect you to race, you can't let a little water leak stop you. We learned all kinds of little tricks from Arnie Beswick. He was the master of getting sometimes marginal equipment down the track and running the very best it could.