Do I need to use thread sealer on the 302 head bolts? Ive read different answers all over the web. Using a 70f100 302. Also just finished cleaning all valves....valve seats....both heads and putting in new springs and seals. Was very easy for a refresh job. Thanks.
I don't use sealer on an older 302 - the old flat tappet blocks are all blind holes into the iron, not the water jacket. I just use the ARP lube on the threads (I use ARP head bolts - not the torque to yield factory ones). If using plain head bolts dip them good in clean oil. Newer 5.0 blocks need sealer on the bolts that go into the water jacket.
Usually heavy carbon build up on valves is due to leaky valve stem seals. The old umbrellas were only fair at best and usually junk by 70K mi.
If I had those heads off; I would take them to machine shop, have valve job, heads mag-fluxed. When I put them back on, be fairly confident -- it would be a one time event.
Well crap. Yep that would be the correct way but I think as little as I drive it it'll hold me for a few years until I get the 347. And good knowledge here as well from you guys. This motor has about 80k on it. I did put in new valve seals. The guides felt ok and true so I hope they're good enough for another 10k miles or so. The motor always ran great and never smoked or gave me an issue. Speaking of valve seals, I cant believe how flimsy and next to nothing they are. The old ones were still plyable but I could tell they were hardening compared to thw new ones. I'm having a good time though doing the internals and cleaning/refreshing the small things. Learning a lot so far.
