coolant in middle of block

[barnsleyoilburner]

New engine fitted a few months ago (400 miles), but recently I find coolant in the middle of the block. Any ideas? If suggesting torquing heads down what torque setting + do I carry out when engine hot or cold.
PS my username not relevant now!
Cheers
Dave

[V Mad]

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Hello Barnsleycoolantleaker!

Welcome to the forum.

Coolant in the vee can be as simple as leaking hose connections as there are a couple in that proximity. Check those first then start looking to see if its inlet manifold gaskets. Next on the list is the water pump, which has a seal vent onto the vee.let us know how you get on.

[StagnJag]

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if the water pump has been refurbed as well, they can take a little while to bed in so it might sort itself out with use. (Mine took about 1000 miles and is dry now.)

Rgds

Dave

[Stag Beetle]

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Check your core plugs too one of mine leaked when I did mine

[Guest]

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barnsleyoilburner wrote:

New engine fitted a few months ago (400 miles), but recently I find coolant in the middle of the block. Any ideas? If suggesting torquing heads down what torque setting + do I carry out when engine hot or cold.
PS my username not relevant now!
Cheers
Dave

Hi Dave, another possiblesimple solution might be the inlet manifold gaskets, especially as she's just been re-built, the bolts may not be tight enough, go round them with a half inch open ender/ring spanner, not a socket,and see if they will nip up a bit, don't re-torque them just in case that's not it. Martin.

[Jeff]

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barnsleyoilburner wrote:

New engine fitted a few months ago (400 miles), but recently I find coolant in the middle of the block. Any ideas? If suggesting torquing heads down what torque setting + do I carry out when engine hot or cold.
PS my username not relevant now!
Cheers
Dave

Hello Dave,

I had the same problem after a new engine rebuild with coolant in the vee! Turned out the top hose clamp was not tightened enough. Hope it's the same with yours, Jeff.

[DJT]

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Hi Dave,

Good advice so far. But to answer your other question, if the heads haven't been re-torqued yet I suggest you do it. They should be done after the first run, and again around 500 miles, but if your engine is a few months old, I would suggest doing it anyway. Always do it after it has cooled over night. The ROM says 55ft/lb, but many people suggest 60ft/lb is a better figure. Always follow the correct order as shown in the ROM (or Haynes). Back off a 1/4-turn first then tighten. Do this one at a time.

Dave

[barnsleyoilburner]

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Cheers lads. Had checked hose clips, will check the inlet manifolds tomorrow and keep you posted
Thanks
Dave