Loctite - Which Grade???

[AlfaLofa]

Which type of Loctite do you use on your car?

For example it is recommended that cylinder head studs and the timing chain guide screws should be fitted with a dab of Loctite (or similar).

I presume high strength is best for the twin cam - but I'm only guessing

a quick search of ebay lists:

222 Weak(?) Strength
241 Medium Strength
242 Medium Strength
243 Medium Strength
2400 Medium Strength
638 High Strength
270 High Strength
275 High Strength & Vibration Proof
2700 High Strength
etc...........................................................

Steve

[UAB807F]

638 is the grade I use on the Europa rear hubs as it's a thick fluid with good gap filling properties. It's also very hard to get off, the only way is to heat it with a propane torch to degrade it so it's not really a universal grade. I don't think I'd want to use it on normal nuts & bolts.

Brian

[stevebroad]

Loctite do dozens of different thread, bearing and stud securing liquids. Have a look here to choose the one most suitable for your application:

http://www.loctite.co.uk/your-solution-4371.htm

[AHM]

I had never bothered with Loctite until I needed some for a bearing - now I use that one for everything!

Loctite have a very good technical help line.

[pharriso]

I use Medium strength 242 for protection against vibration & will reasonably expect to need to disassemble at some time in the future & High Strength for threads that I do not expect to ever take apart again.

[Elan45]

You need to use the one that is applicable to the exact application you are working on. I have a half dozen different bottles on the shelf above my toolbox. Use weaker strength on smaller size threads, stronger on larger. Bearing retainer should not be used on threads you ever want to take apart. Read the Loctite literature.

Roger

[rgh0]

You need to use the one that is applicable to the exact application you are working on. I have a half dozen different bottles on the shelf above my toolbox. Use weaker strength on smaller size threads, stronger on larger. Bearing retainer should not be used on threads you ever want to take apart. Read the Loctite literature.

Roger

My approach also - you need more than a half a dozen different grades for everything on an Elan. Also read the Loctite usage guides. From memory I have a couple of anaerobic thread locker grades, a couple of anaerobic gasket grades, a couple of anaerobic bearing mount grades, PTFE threaded plug and pipe sealant, coppermax silicone, nickel anti-seize, anaerobic thread former. and No 3 aviation sealant.

cheers
Rohan

[Mick6186]

Hi,
You may already be aware of this but when using loctite or similar make sure the threaded holes are clear of any fluids such as oil or degreaser as the loctite seals the thread as a stud or bolt is screwed in and pressure builds. I once wrecked a hillman imp race block and the piece of the block that blew out smashed a garage window!!
Mick.