304 Head Bolt Sealant

I’m sure this discussion is on here somewhere already but I couldn’t find it after searching a while. Sorry if this is a duplication.

‘72 304

Installed my heads following TSM and Haynes directions. Neither mentioned anything about putting sealant on any of the headbolts.

I’ve come across some blogs that are saying there was in fact one bolt on the driver’s side that is not blind and should have gotten some sealant to prevent coolant climbing the threads.

Anyone know if this is true, which bolt it actually is, and at this point is it worth taking that head off again, putting sealant, and re-torquing the whole thing? I would rather not at this point but if it is mission-critical obviously I will.

 

Rusty, I am just putting my 72 304 back together after all the machine work. I didn't see any sealant on any of the bolts I took off. I didn't put any sealant on any of the new bolts I installed. Might have missed but I never had any coolant on top of the heads under the valve covers or at any for them on the ones that are external to the cover. I still have all the bolts and will check them out

 

Hi - read here - Cylinder Head Install - International Full Size Jeep Association

Apparently that factoid comes from the Haynes and Chiltons manuals. The parts-store manuals are riddled with errors.

 

I did look at the bolts and there was nothing on any of them