70 Iron Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Hi guys, I'm leaking a small amount of Antifreeze when the engine is cold but seals when warmed up.I noticed on startup in the mornings there's a small amount, about a teaspoon/tablespoon size leaking from the left rear of where the block and head meet but after driving it and shutting it off ,I have no leak not until it cools and restart. Do you think I can retorque the head bolts or am I needing a gasket replaced.I'm thinking of trying block sealer if retorque doesn't work. The engine is the ZZ454 Aluminum heads. Opinions /comments will be helpful. Thanks,Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyDavey Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Terry where is the anti-freeze pooling? I can't picture what you're describing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robs70monte Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 You can try to retorque and use sealer and it may work but the question is how long will it work, retorqueing and sealer are a short term fix to a long term problem id plan on doing head gaskets soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 Hi Davey, Its a small puddle on the floor,coming from the left rear of the engine.I jacked it up and seen where its coming from. It doesn't appear to be coming from the top of the head and manifold but wet right at the bottom rear where it meets the block. Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyDavey Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 okay got the picture......I would be really surprised if it's coming from the block/head seal but you can re-torque the heads with no harm. Before you do anything like pulling the head I would pull the two rear intake manifold bolts, put some sealer on the threads and re-install them. I know it doesn't look like it coming from up there but you'd be surprised how that stuff gets around.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 Thanks Rob,I just checked the milage and when I bought the engine,it has 6,300 mi and this november it will be 2 yrs.I'm not sure but it may may have a 2 yr warranty.I plan on having it pressure checked next week before I call them,I guess it will show up with the test. If not still under warranty I'll have the gasket changed later when I'm through using it for the yr. Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 Davey,When I start it later today or tomorrow,I'll run my fingers around the back and see if there's anything.I just felt around there but found nothing but its still warm and not leaking until it cools Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyDavey Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 well there is a guy on the Chevelle site who swore his was leaking oil from that same area on his ZZ502. Turned out to be the intake so I'm thinkin' 15 minutes to pull those rear bolts, seal them and put them back in is worth a try. The only coolant leak on my stock ZZ was the intake.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71monteme Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Terry i'm with Davey on this one. put sealant on the treads of the last 2 bolts and retorque ALL the intake manifold bolts. Â thanh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo's70MCs Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Quote: The engine is the ZZ454 Aluminum heads. Davey, any chance to warp heads if overheated? or worst case scenario is the block or heads are cracked. too much decking how about head gasket. Are those alum heads on a cast iron block?..trying to keep it interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyDavey Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 anything's possible Rod but highly unlikely. Yes they are aluminum heads on a iron block but so are 99.9% of all the aluminum head BBC's that run without cracking or warping. Terry just has normal street miles on this car so I don't think it's anything that dramatic....unless he's been hittin' it with a 250 shot and not telling us.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 I'll get on that tomorrow or first of the week,what is the torque on the bolts that go in the Aluminum heads ?? Your right Davey ,just easy street miles,maybe a burnout in front of the house now and then ,just to let the passer byers know there could be danger lurking in the neighborhood :-). Also its never been overheated or even close. Thanks guys,I'll let you know Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyDavey Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 65-75 ft. lbs. on the head bolts.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 What would the intake bolts torque be ? I have them for the iron heads ,don't know if the aluminum is different. Thanks Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7tonemonte Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 GOod luck with it Terry, sorry to hear there is an issue with the car. And I didnt think you did burnouts in them Monte's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 Thanks Tony,I get a mean streak now and then,it kinda marks my territory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71monteme Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 What would the intake bolts torque be ? I have them for the iron heads ,don't know if the aluminum is different. Thanks Terry  Terry. i torque mine to 25lbs for the intake bolts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 Thanks Thanh,Maybe this will fix it but if not it will narrow it down. Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike 57 Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I agree with Dave, check the intake first. Every couple of weeks I check my Intake bolts. You would be amazed how they get loose. I like them to be 25 to 30 foot pounds. It may be tough to get a torque wrench on all of them. By the way I drive mine like a little old lady. Maybe a little burnout now and then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72MC Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Agree with the above regarding the offender being the intake. Coolant is probably running to the back of the block and following down the crease where the heads mate to the block. I had an issue with intake bolts coming loose from my aluminum heads and fixed it with Stage 8 locking bolts. Much like is used on headers. Haven't had an issue since. - Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 Thanks Mike /Dave,I'll give it a shot ,hope thats it. Mike ! Was that "Little Ole Lady" driving in your signature pic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7tonemonte Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Mike ! Was that "Little Ole Lady" driving in your signature pic Yea, here you see her trying to get the ice cream home before it melts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 My kinda Lady Tony !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70 Iron Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 ,Guess what Guys ? I could'nt believe how loose they were !!I could of turn a couple with my fingers.I torqued what I could and used wrenches ect to get the others.I will keep an eye on them from now on.Started it and watched but no antifreeze ,left it run and kept watch .I'll keep an eye on it for the next couple of days to be sure. Thanks for your help ,Please raise my dues You all were a lot of help as usual Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyDavey Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Hey Terry I hope that solved the issue. If you didn't when you have time I would still go back and put some sealer on the bolt threads, they will weep over time.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.