head bolt oil leak?????

[NormD]

My new 351 has only 20 miles on it and all is well except a minor oil leak which seems to becoming from a head bolt? does this make sense? Thanks, Norm

 

[10secgoal]

Check the valve covers, or the intake at the front and rear. It's possible the head gaskets it leaking, but more tan likely the gasket you used, not really likely.

 

[ratio411]

I'd look at the valve cover right over that bolt myself.

 

[dennis112]

The leak should not be coming from the bolt itself. All 351w bolt holes have a defined bottom that does not go into an oil or water jacket.

As mentioned by the above posters, I would look at the valve cover gaskets first. Is there a breather near the bolt?--Could it have some blow-by?

 

[SoCalCruising]

On driver's side? Rear half of engine?
Where is your dipstick?

 

[SoCalCruising]

NormD: where are you?

 

[10secgoal]

Maybe he figured it out and doesn't want to share how easy it was. That what I'd do lol.

 

[SoCalCruising]

Yeah. I have less experience with 351 blocks, but if his was a 351 roller block, then I was suspicious of him using a front cover-type dipstick and not plugging the hole in the block for block/pan rail mounted dipstick. It wouldn't be the first time.