So I am noticing some pooling oil on the line where the head meets the block deck. I've tightened the valve cover gasket that I though might be a culprit, and I've also checked the spark plug tube seals, and felt the wall above the deck. It's dry. Is this the 'oil weep' that Doc is talking about? Any ideas how to help solve, or do I have to live with it? I did not use sealer on this edge of the head gasket, and I DID re-torque the head after initial run.

Please comment.

Doc is talking about the engine assembly when you install the head gasket. You put a seam of sealant on the outside edge (down hill side) of the block and head gasket. Many mechanics fail to do this and you get some weeping....
Ask me how I know!

I even had the block decked and head milled and the FelPro gasket still leaked with out the extra sealant along the lower edge.

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Aggressive Ted

http://cid-32f1e50ddb40a03c.photos.live ... %20Swinger


74 Swinger, 9.5 comp 254/.435 lift cam, 904, ram air, electric fans, 2.5" HP2 & FM70 ex, 1920 Holley#56jet, 2.76 8 3/4 Sure-Grip, 26" tires, 25+MPG

I don't think I have ever owned a slant six that did not leak on that edge. The only cure I have found is to apply a bead of RTV sealant along that seam.

Arrrgh. I opted not to use sealant. Rats. I guess I'll have to live with it. I don't want a nice big smear of RTV on that seam right now. Maybe I'll change my mind down the road and experiment. All depends how messy it gets.

When you start seeing a puddle under the car you might change your mind.

Agreed. The RTV I'm using right now is black. Might opt for some clear RTV so a smear on that ledge doesn't look quite so crappy.

I ended up using the Ultra black along that edge under and over the gasket.

_________________
Aggressive Ted



http://cid-32f1e50ddb40a03c.photos.live ... %20Swinger





74 Swinger, 9.5 comp 254/.435 lift cam, 904, ram air, electric fans, 2.5" HP2 & FM70 ex, 1920 Holley#56jet, 2.76 8 3/4 Sure-Grip, 26" tires, 25+MPG

Just a little "smear" of RTV is all you need, to keep the "weeping" away...
DD

Will smearing the RTV on that edge now help with the weeping, or will it take? Feel I've missed the boat because I didn't RTV the inside of that edge while I had the head off...

Yes, it will help. Turn the engine off and let it sit for at least five minutes to allow all the oil to run off the side of the head. Take a clean rag or paper towel and remove all the oil from that seam. Apply a bead of RTV sealant along that seam from the front of the engine to the back, including curving around the corners a bit. Run your finger along the bead of RTV sealant to force the sealant into any gaps and to clean up the excess. Let it set up overnight and the leak should be slowed if not stopped. Treat it like you are caulking a tub.

If you want to try the "smear RTV on from the outside" method, be sure to use something like brake-clean to degrease the head gasket parting line, then let it air-dry. Otherwise the RTV has little chance of sticking to oil residue.

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63 Valiant Wagon
225 - 4 bbl

True, nor will it last very long.

Your engine builder should have applied when the head gasket went on.

_________________
Aggressive Ted



http://cid-32f1e50ddb40a03c.photos.live ... %20Swinger





74 Swinger, 9.5 comp 254/.435 lift cam, 904, ram air, electric fans, 2.5" HP2 & FM70 ex, 1920 Holley#56jet, 2.76 8 3/4 Sure-Grip, 26" tires, 25+MPG

I wish I would have found this site and knew about this when I built mine! Irritates the crap out of me that it seeps a little. Almost tempted me to pull the head and try again lol!

Don't you mean "You as the engine builder..."?



What can I say, I was torn, and, and....uh....oh well.

I read Doc's advice, and didn't follow it. Boo hoo on me.

Another place to check is the bolts/studs, that go into the head and block for the alternator mount. Put some sealer on the threads. I have seen them leak and look like the gasket.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 225 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170