Coolant Leak - Latest Update
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From: Centreville USA
Coolant Leak - Latest Update
Well, I think that I have found one, possibly two sources for my coolant leak. The radiator shop found nothing wrong with my surge tank, but did solder a couple of spots they said were the most common trouble areas just in case.
1. I was checking the bolts (again) on the water pump, surge tank, etc. and found that one of the two bolts holding the surge tank to the intake manifold would not tighten. It just kept turning. Turns out the threads in the aluminum intake manifold were stripped. So I pulled the radiator, fan, and surge tank, drilled and tapped both holes and installed Helicoils. I reassembled everything with a fresh gasket and coated the gasket with high-temp red RTV. However, after assembling everything, the surge tank is still leaking very slightly around the gasket. Is there a better sealant to use than high-temp red RTV? I'm thinking that maybe it took me too long to assemble things and the RTV started to skin over and "lumped" up like my gravy. Any suggestions for a better sealant? This leak accounts for the stain that runs down the front of the engine and down to the oil pan rails.
2. Tonight I noticed some coolant on the exposed part of the head gasket at the passenger front side of the engine. It drips straight down to the generator/alternator shield and pools there. I can't tell if it is really leaking from the head gasket or blowing down from the other leak. Should I retorque the head bolts? My service manual says to NOT disturb the bolts after they have been torqued to spec. I guess mine were when the engine was built, but how do I know for sure unless I put a torque wrench on them. So, should I retorque them? Is there any risk in doing so?
That's it for now. I am getting really tired of fighting this leak. But at least I know where it is coming from. I just need a better solution then what I have been doing. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
1. I was checking the bolts (again) on the water pump, surge tank, etc. and found that one of the two bolts holding the surge tank to the intake manifold would not tighten. It just kept turning. Turns out the threads in the aluminum intake manifold were stripped. So I pulled the radiator, fan, and surge tank, drilled and tapped both holes and installed Helicoils. I reassembled everything with a fresh gasket and coated the gasket with high-temp red RTV. However, after assembling everything, the surge tank is still leaking very slightly around the gasket. Is there a better sealant to use than high-temp red RTV? I'm thinking that maybe it took me too long to assemble things and the RTV started to skin over and "lumped" up like my gravy. Any suggestions for a better sealant? This leak accounts for the stain that runs down the front of the engine and down to the oil pan rails.
2. Tonight I noticed some coolant on the exposed part of the head gasket at the passenger front side of the engine. It drips straight down to the generator/alternator shield and pools there. I can't tell if it is really leaking from the head gasket or blowing down from the other leak. Should I retorque the head bolts? My service manual says to NOT disturb the bolts after they have been torqued to spec. I guess mine were when the engine was built, but how do I know for sure unless I put a torque wrench on them. So, should I retorque them? Is there any risk in doing so?
That's it for now. I am getting really tired of fighting this leak. But at least I know where it is coming from. I just need a better solution then what I have been doing. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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