I have just now gotten my 320 back together, cranking and running. I took the head in and had it cleaned, shaved and they did a valve job. While the motor is running, you can see coolant bubbling out at one of the manifold studs. I checked in my repair manual, and it did not say anything re using any sealant when installing the studs the way you install the head bolts on the driver side of the head. Should I have used sealant, or do I have a problem?
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1946 320 coolant leak at exhaust manifold
- Thread starter Just Bill
- Start date
suntreemcanic
Experienced Member
Remove the stud, put some #2 permatex on the threads reinstall it and see if you still have a problem.
Good idea. I did that, plus drained the coolant and pulled the head bolt right above the leak and then put it back with extra Permatex #2. Leak seems to have lessened. I'm going to pull the other close by head bolts and do the same. Thanks!
I pulled the head bolts and re-inserted with ample Permatex, but coolant still bubbles out. Next step is to pull the manifolds off, and most likely the head will be back off with me raising hell with the machine shop for screwing the head up when they did the valve job.
firstofeight
Experienced Member
coolant
Been two weeks, Bill. Any news?
Ben
Been two weeks, Bill. Any news?
Ben
I had to put it on the back burner, but was still leaking. I'm going to try to get back at it next week.
Looking at a 320 head, # 1,6,11, the first, center and last manifold bolts are drilled though to the head bolts.
I might use Permatex #1 or Permatex high performance thread sealant. Do not "test" the seal too quickly. I would be tempted to wait 'til the next day.
With a slight leak as you are experiencing, you could use a cooling system sealant added directly into your radiator (this could be controversial :jeez
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I might use Permatex #1 or Permatex high performance thread sealant. Do not "test" the seal too quickly. I would be tempted to wait 'til the next day.
With a slight leak as you are experiencing, you could use a cooling system sealant added directly into your radiator (this could be controversial :jeez
.Looking at a 320 head, # 1,6,11, the first, center and last manifold bolts are drilled though to the head bolts.
I might use Permatex #1 or Permatex high performance thread sealant. Do not "test" the seal too quickly. I would be tempted to wait 'til the next day.
With a slight leak as you are experiencing, you could use a cooling system sealant added directly into your radiator (this could be controversial :jeez
Great advice. Your stud info is exactly what I need. Thank you so much! Save me from having to pull all of them out for inspection.
When I get back to it next week, I'll make sure I resealed those studs. I thought about the sealant, but I'm using an aftermarket radiator, and I think the fins are probably too tight for the sealant to work the way I want it to. The motor runs great, except for the leak. I have not had it on the road yet to be sure I don't wreck the rebuild.
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Those exhaust studs are going through to the head bolts. The coolant would be coming past the threads on the headbolts filling the void between the bolt and the head, then pushing out past the manifold stud. The manifold stud should not need sealing. Only the corresponding head bolt would need sealing into the block.
I reread Bob's reply regarding using thread sealer, and am going to use Loctite 1158514 head bolt and water jacket thread sealer instead. Keeping my fingers crossed.
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The thread sealer did the trick. No more leak. I created the problem by using the Permatex #2. Now to adjust the valves, and get her on the street. Thanks to all.