Cylinder head question coolant leaking for bolt.

[arthuy]

Hello,

I have just bought a bit of a project car and going through what needs done.

The car has been off the road for nearly 20 years and has done 300 miles since the heads were removed and skimmed.

I have some coolant leaks which could be the water pump or hoses but the one thats got me puzzled is through the centre head bolt on the bottom row in the left hand bank.
Water runs out when cold.

Looking at photos of the V8 block and head, would I be correct in thinking that head has a crack seeping in to the bolt hole?

Having read about removing the heads I am preparing mentally for what lies ahead.

thanks

[flying farmer]

I reckon it is possibly corrosion eating away at the alloy between the water way and the bolt hole rather than a crack. Having just looked at a spare head it looks like the casting here is pretty thin.

If the engine is running ok apart from this one leak I would advise a bit of bodge job. I once ran a head where the previous owner had drilled into the water jacket while trying to drill out a stuck stud. I used plenty of silicon sealant around the top of the hole and both sides of the washer and it stopped the leak until I removed the engine for other work a year or two later. Hopefully the head bolt will come out ok.

It is possible that the head wasn't re-torqued if it had only done 300 miles since a rebuild, it might simply be water escaping between the waterways and bolt hole due to lack of clamping pressure. The fact it stops leaking as the engine warms up and the alloy expands also points to this.

I would probably start by re-torquing all the head bolts and studs. Back them off one flat before attempting to re-torque to break the corrosion on the threads. If you are lucky someone will have covered everything with anti seize compound of some description

Water pumps always leak after standing a long time, sometimes they get better with use as the corrosion polishes off the impeller

[arthuy]

Thanks,

I had a look tonight and it looks like the gasket has failed.

The bottom row of bolts were loose, whether they werent tightened up correctly.

Water was also found in the clyinders on both banks, I blew compressed air down the radiator filler and water came out the bolt and spark plug holes.

To be safe I will get the heads off and see whats going on.

Have started soaking the studs with Plus gas.

On a positive note the exhaust bolts came off ok, clearly there had been helicoils fitted.

So I am hopeful that the studs arent going to put up to much of a fight.

[arthuy]

Got the LH head off.

Evidence of previous repair and obviously the gasket is shot.

The studs came out ok other than the one right at bulkhead that sheared.

[luc]

Hello,

I had the same, but on several bolts after placing "PAYEN TYPE" gaskets which were RUBBISH, EJ WARD adviced me to put BGA Gaskets, which I did and no leakage anymore.

Sorry for all the JOB you have done,but I had the same as you have now.

Greetings,

Luc