[Fot] Permatex Red applied to rod bolts

[WEmery7451 at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/23/06 5:38:32 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
jhassall at blacksburg.net writes:

<< What's the preferred technique for applying Red to bolt threads?  Lacking 
 info on their Web site, I applied a uniform coating to the leading 1/4 inch 
 of my TR4 rod bolts.  A day later it occurred to me that I might have 
 weakened the threaded connection by applying too much.  But if I'd applied 
 just a small spot, it too would have been smeared over the threads and 
 might not have been as strong.  Yes, I'm over-thinking the problem.  But 
 what say y'all?  What's the preferred method?
  >>

I will not say that this is 100% correct with all of you experts.  I have 
used Locktite on rod bolts for years.  My machinist told me that he just puts a 
little engine oil on rod bolts while building stock car engines.  He says that 
it is the torque that holds the bolt in the hole, not the Loctite.  

I am now not using Locktite.  My reasoning is that you better torque the 
bolts right away, or you can get a false torque reading.  Also, when you change 
out the rod bearings, it is almost impossible to clean out all of the dried 
Loctite, which will also gives you false torque readings.

If you are installing Carillo rods, you are told to use their special 
lubricant on the threads and under the bolt heads.