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Head gasket leak after rebuild?
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49404		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Smokin Jays [ Wed Jul 25, 2012 6:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Head gasket leak after rebuild?
I need to re-do the head gasket. My mechanic put it in correct ( his words) I don't want to put blame on him, maybe it was the wrong gasket? the head had just been milled and the machinist said it looks as good as new. Maybe my mechanic over-torqued the head bolts? Again I am just guessing. What Gasket should I buy? it is a 67. Thanks
Author:  ceej [ Wed Jul 25, 2012 6:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
What is it leaking, and where?

CJ
Author:  ceej [ Wed Jul 25, 2012 6:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
If there is oil on the spark plug side of the block, take a look at the front bottom bolt on the alternator bracket. This bolt goes into the lifter area of the block. It needs to be removed, cleaned, and RTV applied lightly to the threads. Reinstall the bolt and torque appropriately. I just go good and wrench tight.
Oil from a leak at this location will run back along the deck at the head and look like oil is leaking from the gasket area.

2¢

CJ
Author:  Smokin Jays [ Wed Jul 25, 2012 6:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
it is leaking all along the spark plug side and down on to the trans case. I will check.
Author:  terrylittlejohn [ Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
you need a thin bead of copper silicone on both surfaces in the lifter valley area. if the engine hasn`t been running long you might be lucky and seperate the head from the block and not damage the gasket.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Jul 25, 2012 10:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Don't discount the possibility of a leaking valve cover gasket, which will wash the spark plug side of the block down with oil. Proceed as here, though if you don't have a fluorescent droplight you can inexpensively get hold of an LED leak detection light.

That said, if it's not an easy driveway fix, your mechanic needs to make it right. "I didnt do it!" is not good enough.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Jul 25, 2012 10:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
you might be lucky and seperate the head from the block and not damage the gasket.
I would consider that a very unwise gamble. If your luck's rotten, which it probably will be, you'll wind up doing the whole R&R job again from step number one, but this time the right way (with a new gasket).
Author:  terrylittlejohn [ Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:02 am ]
Post subject: 
i have done this many time over the year if the gasket isn`t stuck to the surfaces it will retorque and seal, dyno shop do it all the time. make sure you have the top pan and sparkplug tube seal first before you go that deep into the engine.
Author:  Dart270 [ Thu Jul 26, 2012 7:50 am ]
Post subject: 
My money is on the valve cover or plug tube gaskets, as Dan says. Head gasket would only leak there if the block was not decked/smoothed and it is really warped.

Lou
Author:  ValiantBoyWonder [ Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:20 am ]
Post subject: 
i second the valve cover and spark plug tube gaskets. i clean the engine every 6 months, and on this last cleaning i saw oil all over the coil area, spark plug areas, covering my distributor, and along the top (passenger side) edge of the block and down the backside. i freaked out and feared the head gasket took a poop on me.

i cleaned everything, changed the tube gaskets, and since the valve cover was off, adjusted the valves and re torqued the head for reassurance. when re torquing the head, start in the middle and alternate sides. 50FT. per lbs. go to autozone and rent a torque wrench, or better yet, buy one!

Image

it's been about 2 months now and engine bay is clean...
Author:  Smokin Jays [ Thu Jul 26, 2012 3:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think it is the valve cover gasket. It has been taken off to adjust the valves a couple times and I should replace it. The leak looks like it is seeping from the top the more that I look at it. Thanks again for the help!
Author:  /'d Box [ Fri Jul 27, 2012 8:46 am ]
Post subject: 
"If there is oil on the spark plug side of the block, take a look at the front bottom bolt on the alternator bracket. This bolt goes into the lifter area of the block. It needs to be removed, cleaned, and RTV applied lightly to the threads. Reinstall the bolt and torque appropriately. I just go good and wrench tight.
Oil from a leak at this location will run back along the deck at the head and look like oil is leaking from the gasket area."

Thanks, Ceej. I posted about having this condition a while back. I'm going to have a look at this before I commit to a head gasket.
Author:  69a100 [ Fri Jul 27, 2012 9:31 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
"If there is oil on the spark plug side of the block, take a look at the front bottom bolt on the alternator bracket. This bolt goes into the lifter area of the block. It needs to be removed, cleaned, and RTV applied lightly to the threads. Reinstall the bolt and torque appropriately.
So tell me what's a person supposed to check when the Alt. is installed on the other side of the motor than mentioned?
Author:  Joshie225 [ Fri Jul 27, 2012 9:43 am ]
Post subject: 
You make sure there is a bolt in the hole to close up the lifter galley. A copper washer under the bolt in your case would be ideal.
Author:  Smokin Jays [ Fri Jul 27, 2012 11:03 am ]
Post subject: 
It was the valve cover gasket. It had torn last time i adjusted the valvea and i didn't notice. Thanks
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