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Joined: Apr 2005
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Old Blue's (216 cu in) got a small head gasket leak. The leak is barely noticeable at this point. What are the pros and cons of using a sealant? I'd like to avoid tearing down the engine, if I can. The previous owner had it rebuilt less than 1000(?) miles ago.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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How do you know you have a head gasket leak?  
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Has the head been retorqued since the rebuild?On new cars the head was retorqued as part of the 1000 mile inspection and the shop manual says to retorque it with every tune up.
Also its not uncommon to see a bit of seepage after they sit all winter.
The 1000 mile inspection have become a thing of the past for the new cars.The inspection was a check of many items,valves were adjusted,head and manifold bolts retightened,timing and points reset, and so forth.The owner would also bring in a list of all the "problems" that he found.Used to make for good reading and some good laughs.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 689
Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 689 |
By all means follow Gene's advice. Re-torque the head bolts to compensate for the gasket 'seating' in after several heat-up/cool-down cycles. Then adjust the valves, point gap and timing.
If it still leaks after the retorque you may need to check the head for warpage. I've used NAPA gasket sealer with good success. It's a spray can of copper colored stuff designed for use with head gaskets, but it's not going to correct for a head that's warped bad.
Coach
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Thanks Guys. Ray-- there is a slight seepage of coolant. The valve cover has not been off since I bought Old Blue about 2 years ago. I will learn how to adjust the valves and follow the recommendation to tighten the head and manifold bolts.
37Blue
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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The 1937 shop manual will not give the torque values for the head bolts.They should be torqued to 70 to 80 foot pounds.The tightening sequence should be in the manual.The mainfold bolts are difficult to get at with a torque wrench but give a general tightening but don't over do it.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Hi 37Blue, there is a slight seepage of coolant. With that description--------follow the recommendation from Chev Nut on headbolts.
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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ChatMaster - 1,000
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If you need to replace the gasket I have a 216 valve grind set you can have,I doubt the cork gaskets will be any good but the head and intakes should be good. Jeff
VCCA #45194
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 570
Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 570 |
Do all of us a favor. Don't cheat yourself, or your car...Throw the can of sealant/stopleak in the trash.  If you set yourself up proper, you can have that head gasket in and out in a couple hours. Plus a couple more for reattatching everything.
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