Lock Tight !

[drthrift035]

1) When should I use Lock Tight ?

2) Why should I use Lock Tight ?

3) What are the pros and cons surrounding lock tight ?

Topic

[Daniel]

There are different grades of locktight. Ranging from semi permanent to permanent.
Your service manual will,usually, indicate when (and what grade) to use.
Different metals stretch different amounts. And that is why different components have set torque specs (because they are made with different metal mixtures.) For example steel and iron threads will stretch more than aluminum. The stretching is called thread spring tension. This is what holds a bolt in place after it has been properly torqued.
Thread locking compounds (like locktight) swell when they dry which locks the threads in place.
Typically thread locking compounds are used in areas that need to retain specific torque to avoid catastrophic failure, like head bolts, main cap bolts, rods, etc.
Locktight is also used on components where a bolt will be threaded into aluminum. This is because aluminum will not stretch without the risk of stripping out the threads. Therefor, the adjoined parts will wiggle loose because there is no spring force locking the threads.
The downside of locktight is; if the wrong type is used it could permanently fuse together components. Also when you remove a fastener where a locking compound was used, you need to clean the threads with a tap (which is kind of annoying.)

[drthrift035]

Great answer ! thisisbuod What you said makes perfect sense. I will keep that in mind. Usually when you follow the manufacturers advice there is no problem for the most part. Thanks again.

[JamesB1985]

I’ve NEVER heard of using locktight on Connecting Rod Bolts of Main Cap Bolts. Oil? Yes. ARP Lube? Yes – Never locktight.

[Daniel]

That’s moot.

[JamesB1985]

I would like an example/ link if possible. Thank you.

[college man]

You really should not need loctite.I don’t
think anything from the factory came with
it.

[Author]

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