Which loctite to use?

[dlundblad]

I bought a block heater for my tractor. It came with a tapered sleeve that presses into a freeze plug hole and the element that threads onto the sleeve.

The directions say to use “loctite” around the sleeve to ensure a seal. What style of loctite should I use?

 

[Trav]

Do you have a link to this so we can have a look. Is the sleeve rubber or steel?

 

[dlundblad]

Do you have a link to this so we can have a look. Is the sleeve rubber or steel?

Steel.

I can get a link later if needed.

 

[RooflessVW]

Loctite 540 - TDS Download Link

 

[Pelican]

Blue loctite will allow you to remove the sleeve if you need it, red loctite will bond much stronger and may not allow you to remove the sleeve if you ever need to do so.

 

[SZR48207]

How hot is that element? Is the blue rated for the heat it puts out or would you need to go red?

 

[Darwin1138]

I would use Permatex Indian Head over loctite, Since I had leakage with loctite a few times

 

[AutoMechanic]

I’ve always been taught if it’s on the block it has to be red it can take more heat and vibration. But blue will be much easier to remove.

 

[ABN_CBT_ENGR]

I’ve always been taught if it’s on the block it has to be red it can take more heat and vibration. But blue will be much easier to remove.

Lot of truth to that and in this application I would suggest that they don't want this to be easier to remove because that also equates to "easier to work loose" too.

Remember, a "threadlocker" by definition is for a thread which in good condition has extensive face contact and has a tensile load.

Other metal locking ( tapers, bushings and what not) applications require different formulae.

Cant just go by the color anymore.

 

[RooflessVW]

Loctite 540 is the correct product. If you ever need to remove the adapter put a torch to it and it will come right out.

 

[doitmyself]

It seems that some here don't realize this is a press fit, not threaded.

Edit: If I understand the OP, the silver part is tapered and presses into the freeze plug opening. Teflon tape or any high heat thread sealant should work on the tapered brass threaded portion.

 

[AutoMechanic]

It seems that some here don't realize this is a press fit, not threaded.

The picture posted shows threads.

 

[RooflessVW]

The picture posted shows threads.

Yes. The block heater threads into the freeze plug adapter, which is pressed in with "loctite" per the vague instructions.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Yes. The block heater threads into the freeze plug adapter, which is pressed in with "loctite" per the vague instructions.

Oh ok. That’s good to know I’ve never dealt with block heaters so wasn’t exactly sure.

 

[RooflessVW]

Oh ok. That’s good to know I’ve never dealt with block heaters so wasn’t exactly sure.

It's the second sentence of the original post.

 

[AutoMechanic]

It's the second sentence of the original post.

Oh I didn’t get what it meant lol.

 

[dlundblad]

Loctite 540 - TDS Download Link

That stuff is over $100 a bottle. As E.T. once said, oooooouch.

 

[dlundblad]

I did find this.

https://www.ellsworth.com/globalassets/literature-library/manufacturer/henkel-loctite/henkel-loctite-user-guide-do-it-right-loctite-maintenance-products.pdf

 

[ABN_CBT_ENGR]

That stuff is over $100 a bottle. As E.T. once said, oooooouch.

Oh yeah

Go to places like McMaster and you can usually get like single use tubes much cheaper

 

[Trav]

Before I threw that sort of wood on the fire I would give this a shot. For a 20 spot its the deal.

Vibra-Tite - 550 Core Plug Sealant Retaining Compound

Vibra-Tite 550 Core Plug Sealant Retaining Compound is a high-strength anaerobic retaining compound designed for freeze, core, and cup plug applications and used to seal core plugs in upper and lower manifolds and engine blocks. Typical applications include core plugs and cup plugs installed...

pilotshq.com

Competes with Loctite® 540™ (540 is a trademark and Loctite is a registered trademark of Henkel IP & Holding GMBH LLC, Germany) | Product Competes with | Vibra-Tite

www.vibra-tite.com