57 Flywheel Bolts

[Michael K.]

Is it necessary to apply red locktite to the flywheel bolts?

I was told by someone at the parts store to make sure I do this, but I cannot find it in any of the manuals or books that I have. The bolts that I removed don't seem to have it any on them. It isn't even mentioned in the "Let's Talk Clutches" article John Hinckley wrote for the May 2008 Corvette Enthusiast.

[Michael M.]

Re: 57 Flywheel Bolts

I am pretty sure it wasn`t originally used but if you buy an aftermarket flywheel they will normally recommend it. From Centerforce site. Its good cheap insurance.

DOES CENTERFORCE RECOMMEND USING A LIQUID THREAD LOCKER ON PRESSURE
PLATE AND FLYWHEEL BOLTS?

YES, USING A MEDIUM VISCOCITY LIQUID THREAD LOCKER REDUCES THE POSSIBILITY OF PRESSURE

PLATE AND FLYWHEEL BOLTS FROM COMING LOOSE.

[Joe L.]

Re: 57 Flywheel Bolts

Is it necessary to apply red locktite to the flywheel bolts?

I was told by someone at the parts store to make sure I do this, but I cannot find it in any of the manuals or books that I have. The bolts that I removed don't seem to have it any on them. It isn't even mentioned in the "Let's Talk Clutches" article John Hinckley wrote for the May 2008 Corvette Enthusiast.

Mike-----


Original, PRODUCTION-installed Chevrolet flywheel bolts usually use an external tooth star washer as a locking device. I realize that millions of engines were built using this set-up and the vast majority never had a problem. However, you will NEVER, EVER find me using external tooth lockwashers for this application. For one thing, external tooth lockwashers are all manufactured from mild, soft steel. If they should break in service, all torque on the bolt will be lost.

I use ARP bolts with Locktite 242.

[John H.]

Re: 57 Flywheel Bolts

Mike -

If you're going to use ARP flywheel bolts (as I do), they don't have any toothed star washers, and I use Loctite on them. However, be aware that the ARP flywheel bolts are a tad longer than the original GM bolts - just long enough to hit the stamped inspection cover on a '57, so you'll need to slightly "modify" the contour of the cover to eliminate the interference. If you don't, it'll sound like a tin outhouse in a hailstorm when you first start it - don't ask me how I know this .