Reassembling turbo, heads, etc..Locktite?

[Billdog350]

So I'm almost done with dis assembly on my 03 duramax which is getting new head gaskets, ARP studs and otherwise new gaskets and injectors where needed.

The Red-orange locktite GM used is overkill IMO. Its a PITA to remove esp when you can't heat the fastener to 500deg to release it. I have had to use some pretty crazy breaker bar arrangements to get things apart, esp at the turbo.

When guys have done the turbos, downpipes, up pipes, etc on their Duramaxes, have you put that crazy glue back in there or used a different (weaker) type of locktite or nothing? I REALLY don't want to use more of that stuff if I can avoid it. God forbid I need to take things apart again I'll be SCREWED for sure.:toilet_claw:

 

[PureHybrid]

You're saying you found thread locker on the manifold and uppipe bolts?

Use a small amount of anti-seize on exhaust components, a drop of thread locker on small bolts for the rocker housing and valve covers. I've always used the blue medium strength.

 

[Billdog350]

I'm saying my manifold to up pipe, up pipe to turbo, downpipe to turbo and several other bolts on the truck esp exhaust related have the Red-Orange Locktite 272 on it. Because I can't heat those parts to 500 deg to release the bolts it has been a PITA to take things apart.

I have ALWAYS used anti-seize on exhaust components in the past but this has totally baffled me. I'm wondering if there is some significant vibration that is different on the duramax that's not on every other gas and diesel motor out there

 

[JoshH]

I don't recall ever seeing any thread locker on any year Duramax up-pipe bolts.

 

[S Phinney]

You do not use thread locker period. Use a good anti sieze.

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[Billdog350]

I'll take pics....red orange....

 

[juddski88]

It didn't come from the factory like that. So someone had their dickbeaters in there

 

[ScreaminDuramax]

Red orange sounds like high temp silicone

 

[dirty_max]

i saw a similar trail of garbage like that on all my bolts but im pretty sure it was from rust

 

[NC-smokinlmm]

If it was in the exhaust system shouldn't it have been well over 500 degress everytime you drove it. Thus melting and turning said loctite to powder anyway. It was probably just rust and anti sieze.