Simple question for you guys: Did you use any anything like anti seize or thread locker (i.e. loctite) on the cam holder bolts? When I removed mine (a3 head, 12K miles, untouched), there was evidence of the factory putting something on them based on the grey residue that I saw. The factory manual makes no reference to putting anything on these when rebuilding the head. So, what I want to know:

1) When you swapped cams/built head or whatever that required removing the cam holder bolts, did you just torque the bolts and leave them alone or did you use anything on the threads? I'm not too worried about anti seize but I would worry if honda had put thread locker on it. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

I've never used loctite or any thread locker for cam caps

 

Thanks for letting me know. I'd just like to figure out what the general consensus on this is. Also, I'd like to know if anyone has RELIABLE information as to what it was that the factory put on the bolts, whether it was anti seize (doubtful) or thread locker.

 

Every time I take apart a Honda engine I smell the same smell after unbolting cam bolts, crank bolts, connecting rod and etc... I know they have to use something from the factory but another mechanic buddy says it's just from the oil...

 

Well, this bolt literally had residue of something on the threads, I'm sure it wasn't just oil. There is no records of this motor ever being opened up and I purchased it from its original owner with 12K miles. The carfax showed all of the maintenance that's been done on it and no mention was made of anything that could remotely involve opening the head. So, that's why I'm just wondering what that stuff is. To me, personally, it looked like grey anti seize but since its an oem thing, it could very well be thread locker or something else all together.

 

It's probably Hondabond or assembly lube. Hondabond is used for everything on Honda engines.

 

Hondabond on the threads of a bolt???

I use the stuff for things like valve covers and such, never on bolts for any reason. Do any manuals specify their use for stuff like this?

 

No, we don't put anything on any high torque bolts pertaining to the head assembly etc. This is coming from our Acura tech of 23 years.

 

Just a guess based on your description. Check the Helms manual, see what they recommend to use (if anything) when reinstalling cam cap bolts. I'm guessing it was some form of Loctite, wouldn't make sense to use anti-seize lube in the head like that. Besides, anti-seize lube is the "tin man" lube. Does it look like that?

Why are you building an A3 head anyways?

Are you going FI?

 

those bolts are not ment to have anythign on them, if they did it could have been something they use in the assembly process as honda does have certain process that they use during orginal assembly. ive never used anytype of anything on those bolts.