Just got done installing new fel pro head gaskets and ARP studs on my 1968 oldsmobile delta 88 455 and I’m not sure if they are leaking or if this is normal. I torqued everything to 80ft lbs in the order specified and just got it all back together. I’m still working on getting the timing correct so the motor might be getting a little hot but I’m fairly certain I can see a bubble coming out on the threads of a few studs every like 5-10 secs . I can’t tell if it’s coolant or the ARP fastener assembly lubricant that came with the stud kit but how concerned should I be? . I don’t even have the car timed and running right yet so the last thing I wanna do is tear this all back down over a bubble. I was told the fastener assembly lube that came with the stud kit was all I needed to torque these down because the studs do not protrude into the water jacket. Is this true ?

Any and all help would be appreciated.First time build so sorry ahead of time lol.

 

Unless there is a crack, it’s not coolant. None of the head bolts go into water. Loosen each head bolt one at a time and re-torque. Keep an eye on it, hopefully your just imagining things.

 

Ya the more I look at it the more I think it’s the arp thread lube just boiling out because it’s all grey around the base of the stud / bolt

 

I just did this! Although I haven't fired my engine up yet. I did want to point out ARP says 70 ftlbs and the chassis service manual says 85 ftlbs for cylinder head torque. I've read a lot of good info here about sequence as well as stages to get to final torque you may want to search for if still having troubles. Maybe like you said it's lube cooking off? A pic might help. Good luck!

 

Turns out the timing was off and the engine was getting way to hot but not to the point of overheating . The bubbling has since subsided and I’ve concluded that it was in fact just the arp thread lube bubbling out . Found grayish residue around the base of the stud , same color as the thread lube . All is well thanks for the comments !