White threadlocker?
 

When disassembling components during my rod bearing replacement, I noticed MANY bolts that had white residue on them. Everything from suspension bolts to the bolts that hold the plastic oil pan baffle on.

I assume this is some kind of thread locking compound, but I've never seen white threadlock. Is it liquid silicone?

I'm debating using some kind of thread locking compound on some stuff, but unsure as the strength of the white compared to the traditional blue and red, or like I said if it's just some silicone. Many of the bolts I don't really think need anything. I noticed that Porsche NEVER seems to use lock washers, but instead love to use stover/lock nuts.

it could be white lithium grease. I had a s-10 where every suspension bolt was covered in the stuff and it still sounded like a mouse orgy when ever the pavement got bumpy.

Some of the auto guys use white paint on the heads of bolts that indicate they have been torqued/tightened to the proper spec. The white paint is actually in the socket. It is a visual check.

^ +1

I put a little dab of whiteout on pretty much every critical nut/bolt in the engine compartment of my race car. That way it is an easy visual check to see whether something's backed out. It is easy to look around and see if the little dab on the nut doesn't match up with the little dab on the stud/bolt. When they don't match, something moved and you'd better check it out.

I have noticed the same residue but always thought it was the result of a reaction between the steel bolt and the aluminum threads. Try to notice if the bolts with white residue were into aluminum threads.