Crankcase / manifold bolts -- use Loctite?

[Grumpy Bear]

When putting the powerhead back together (crankcase cover, exhaust manifold, etc), should I use blue Loctite on all the bolts just for good measure? Or is that not really necessary if I torque to specs?

Thanks

 

[haventaclue]

I would use it,but I'm a bit of a pessimist.

 

[DangarStu]

I'm sure everyone will have a different opinion on this, but I normally just put a dab of oil on the bolts before torquing them to spec. Sometimes on the exhaust manifold I'll put exhaust sealant on the flange as well as the gasket. I guess we are all pessimists in our own unique way.

Stuart

 

[bilge rat jim]

Why not follow the service manuals' recommendations?

 

[faztbullet]

Nope...light oil and torque

 

[fastjeff]

Correct.

Jeff

 

[crankbait]

I would never use locktite anywhere to assemble any engine, be it marine or automotive.

 

[racerone]

Use the sealer and technique specified in your manual.----------I have measured the thickness of a sealer film from a motor just like the one you are working on.---------Turns out the film was 0.008" thick and it is no woder the motor failed after a few hrs.---------------Work carefully when you assemble one of these and make sure you use a sealer that will all squeeze out of the joint.-------It is a metal to metal joint with very close tolerance for proper clamp-up of bearings and reed blocks !!!!

 

[Grumpy Bear]

Use the sealer and technique specified in your manual.----------I have measured the thickness of a sealer film from a motor just like the one you are working on.---------Turns out the film was 0.008" thick and it is no woder the motor failed after a few hrs.---------------Work carefully when you assemble one of these and make sure you use a sealer that will all squeeze out of the joint.-------It is a metal to metal joint with very close tolerance for proper clamp-up of bearings and reed blocks !!!!

The only sealer the service manual mentions (except for epoxy on the water jacket bolts...but my motor doesn't have a water jacket) is the sealer on the metal-to-metal surfaces of the crankcase cover to the block. Other than that, just gaskets (dry, I assume) and bolts tightened in a certain order to torque specs. I was just asking if there was a common practice of putting Loctite on the bolts for good measure.