A couple of 218 questions

[bkahler]

I pulled the distributor yesterday and noticed there was no gasket or o-ring between it and the block.  I was thinking there should be something there but a brief search got me know where.  Am I missing something?

 

Next, something I've been thinking about for a while is which holes in the block and head require sealant.  When I pulled the water pump yesterday those bolts had sealant on the threads.

 

Is there a definitive list somewhere that points out each and every hole that needs sealant applied to the threads?

 

I've read there are some head bolts that require sealant as well as some manifold studs.  Anyone have the specifics?

 

And finally, what is the recommended sealant?

 

Thanks!

 

Brad

[JBNeal]

Yep there should be a cork or rubber gasket that seals the distributor shaft bore...

 

I was doing some research and noted that the search term Permatex yields a lot of interesting information, going back for years, on products, alternatives, applications, limitations, insights etc...as far as specifics, I do not recall a checklist but all I know is be aware of the water jacket and oil gallery locations and that'll give ya an idea of what bolt needs what sealant and where applied

[bkahler]

12 hours ago, JBNeal said:

Yep there should be a cork or rubber gasket that seals the distributor shaft bore...

 

I think there is a package floating around my garage somewhere with leftover bits and pieces from the original gasket set.  With luck it's in that package.

 

12 hours ago, JBNeal said:

I was doing some research and noted that the search term Permatex yields a lot of interesting information, going back for years, on products, alternatives, applications, limitations, insights etc...as far as specifics, I do not recall a checklist but all I know is be aware of the water jacket and oil gallery locations and that'll give ya an idea of what bolt needs what sealant and where applied

 

What I'm most concerned with is the head bolts.  When my engine was built way back when the builder knew it would be a while before I was going to start the engine so he told me that he only torqued the bolts to about 20 lbs.  I believe this means I am good to remove each bolt one at a time to check to see if he put sealant on any of them. 

 

Do the torque specs change if a bolt has sealant on it?!

 

I assume the way to tell if it goes into the cooling jacket is to stick a screw driver in the hole and if it doesn't bottom out (within reason of course!) then the bolt likely needs sealant.  On the ones for the water pump the sealant is a gooey silver color.  Not sure what type that would be as I don't remember seeing any brands that were silver.

 

 

[kencombs]

12 minutes ago, bkahler said:

 

I think there is a package floating around my garage somewhere with leftover bits and pieces from the original gasket set.  With luck it's in that package.

 

 

What I'm most concerned with is the head bolts.  When my engine was built way back when the builder knew it would be a while before I was going to start the engine so he told me that he only torqued the bolts to about 20 lbs.  I believe this means I am good to remove each bolt one at a time to check to see if he put sealant on any of them. 

 

Do the torque specs change if a bolt has sealant on it?!

 

I assume the way to tell if it goes into the cooling jacket is to stick a screw driver in the hole and if it doesn't bottom out (within reason of course!) then the bolt likely needs sealant.  On the ones for the water pump the sealant is a gooey silver color.  Not sure what type that would be as I don't remember seeing any brands that were silver.

 

 

I'd bet that 'gooey silver color' is an aluminum anti-seize.  Like you, I've never seen a thread sealer that color, but aluminum anti-seize is common, as is nickle.

 

It will probably work as a sealer as all we really need is something to fill the gaps between the male and female threads.  And, not harden to prevent removal of course.

[bkahler]

1 hour ago, kencombs said:

I'd bet that 'gooey silver color' is an aluminum anti-seize.  Like you, I've never seen a thread sealer that color, but aluminum anti-seize is common, as is nickle.

 

It will probably work as a sealer as all we really need is something to fill the gaps between the male and female threads.  And, not harden to prevent removal of course.

 

Aluminum.  Interesting, I'll have to do some searching.  

 

I agree, not hardening is a definite necessity!  

 

Thanks!

 

Brad

[Jeff Balazs]

If you use Permatex Thread sealant you should have this safely covered.

I never knew there was a gasket below the distributor........mine doesn't and no problems in over 20,000 miles of daily use. I suppose it couldn't hurt though.

Brad it seems like you are hard at it. I found trying to get something accomplished pretty much every day worked well for my build.

Keep at it and it will surely get done! Then the great adventure really begins. These old trucks are awesome. Done right they can be totally functional and still be real time machines.

Jeff

[bkahler]

On 12/24/2019 at 12:42 PM, Jeff Balazs said:

If you use Permatex Thread sealant you should have this safely covered.

I never knew there was a gasket below the distributor........mine doesn't and no problems in over 20,000 miles of daily use. I suppose it couldn't hurt though.

Brad it seems like you are hard at it. I found trying to get something accomplished pretty much every day worked well for my build.

Keep at it and it will surely get done! Then the great adventure really begins. These old trucks are awesome. Done right they can be totally functional and still be real time machines.

Jeff

 

Ordered Permatex #2 yesterday from Amazon and should have it Friday.  

 

I really wish I hadn't waited 20 years to restart the restoration but sometimes life just gets in the way. 

 

Brad

[Jeff Balazs]

Hey Brad;

At least you are back on it now. ?

When I bought my truck I purchased it from the Daughter of a man who started but never finished. Judging from what I had to work with it must have sat for 20 to 25 years. I got a 95% complete truck that needed a lot of work....and no history to go with it. At least it wasn't a rust pile. One of the things I ended up getting lucky on was the engine. It turned out to be a slightly later rebuilt 230 that had been swapped in at some point. It had mileage on it but was in fairly decent shape. I had to some serious work on the cooling system but the old engine runs pretty sweet and doesn't burn oil or smoke. I have put about 22.000 miles on it so far.

Take your time and do everything right and then by God drive it. They are pretty cool old trucks.

Jeff