motor install.... Now coolant leak?

J

J smitty

New Member

Mar 22, 2007

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Foristell Mo

Dec 6, 2009

#1

• Dec 6, 2009

• #1

So i just installed my MMR stroker 850 with rebuilt and decked heads. Now there is coolant leaking from the head gaskets and inside the valley of the block there is a slight leak. Its not a major leak it just kind of runs down the block. I also installed ARP headstuds with this project, and my ford mechanic friend helped me torque them down in 3 stages to 90 ftlb like the directions says. does anybody know if it should be more than this?

 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician

Aug 14, 2009

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Houston Texas

Dec 6, 2009

#2

• Dec 6, 2009

• #2

More information?

Can you go through the procedure used to install? What/how were the studs prepared? Sealant? Molly lube?

What is the manf recommdations regarding bottoming out of the studs?

Are you sure it is not leaking from the heater return hard line? Or the intake manifold crossover?

When did the leak start? Pictures?

IMO, it is very bad to have any leak in a brand new build.

 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician

Aug 14, 2009

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Houston Texas

Dec 12, 2009

#3

• Dec 12, 2009

• #3

excessive assembly lub & hydro-locking

Recently read a warning about cleaning out the bolt holes prior to assembly. If there is excessive fluid left in the block holes (or excessive assembly lub is used), the fluid will hydro-lock the head bolts causing premature torque yield. This results in not enough cylinder head clamping load to properly seal the head gasket.

Is it possible that excessive assembly lub was used causing the head bolts to hydro-lock?

 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician

Aug 14, 2009

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Houston Texas

Dec 15, 2009

#4

• Dec 15, 2009

• #4

Recently read another post regarding installation of the oil passage blocking plugs. The note stated to be certain the block off plugs are installed below the level of the deck.

I could see a case if not recessed, this could cause incomplete head sealing.

How were the oil passage way plugs installed?

 

J

J smitty

New Member

Mar 22, 2007

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Foristell Mo

Jan 10, 2010

#5

• Jan 10, 2010

• #5

tried torqing the heads down more and it worked well for the first few start ups now there is coolant in the valley of the block and rolling down the back of the block around the starter and on the tranny. So now i guess i have to remove the heads?

 

patman0911

Founding Member

Jun 5, 2002

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Tuscaloosa, AL

Jan 10, 2010

#6

• Jan 10, 2010

• #6

Can you see where the coolant is coming out as it's leaking? Is that why you think it's the head gaskets and not some other source? If so, check all the things WMBurns suggested.

What block (iron or aluminum and which version), heads (PI or NPI), intake manifold (stock, aftermarket, and PI or NPI) and intake gaskets (PI or NPI) are in this thing. How much material was removed from the heads when they were decked?

 

trombonedemon

Well-Known Member

Jun 25, 2009

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U.S.A, U.S.A., U.S.A.!

Jan 11, 2010

#7

• Jan 11, 2010

• #7

Get a UV light to detect the coolant leak. You should find you problem w/ the above advice!

 

patman0911

Founding Member

Jun 5, 2002

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Tuscaloosa, AL

Jan 11, 2010

#8

• Jan 11, 2010

• #8

Oh, don't just keep tightening the head bolts down further and further, that's only going to lead to more and possibly bigger problems.