Front plate/water issues

I have a front and mid plate and keep having trouble with the bolts working loose and water leaking between the plate and timing chain cover. I tighten the bolts and eventually it starts leaking again. Now I have to take the plate loose and change the gasket (not fun in the truck) because it won't stop leaking. Anyone have some tips for me to keep this from happening?
Also, is there an aftermarket timing chain cover for the 460 that isolates the water passages similar to a chevy? Perhaps this would end the problem.

Thanks

Loctite on the bolts?

dfree383 wrote:Loctite on the bolts?

X2 just make sure you some new bolts after the loctite drys you may brake old bolts getting them back out if they have already started rusting any.

We drilled ours out to .375 and used studs, problem solved.

I don't use gaskets either always leaked, I just use standard RTV, but the TA-31 is better.

The other tips are really good.
One more thing......if you do not have the motor plate tied in to the front of each cylinder head with solid spacers.....do so. It will take lots of load off of your 5/16" cover bolts.
Have fun...
Keith

Thanks for the tips. What is TA31? not heard of that one. Keith, I wonder why my engine guy didn't mention that when I took it in for freshening the last time. I'll drill in some holes on the plate and make up the spacers.

I use a gasket....I glue...not silicone... the gasket to the front cover and TA31 the plate to the gasket.

use urtra black, and loose the gasket, even with gaskets weve never had one leak,we just use rtv now.





Is everything flat? burr somewhere? high spot?

I use the "right Stuff" grey stuff in the can by Permatex. Dries good and doesn't turn to slime like the older Permatex RTV stuff does. I noticed my bolts were loose when I pulled the engine out of the dragster. I might try using some studs on all of it next time.

Alan, what is the front plate made of and how thick is it?

HorsinAround wrote:......keep having trouble with the bolts working loose and water leaking.........

Are you using travel limiters along with the front/mid plates?

Lem Evans wrote:Alan, what is the front plate made of and how thick is it?

1/4" Aluminum