Coolant leaking from intake bolts

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Slappy

Slappy

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Thanks to all whom can help. I changed my intake and now I have coolant seeping from under the bolt. Should I RTV the bolt threads? Tod
 
Slappy said:
Thanks to all whom can help. I changed my intake and now I have coolant seeping from under the bolt. Should I RTV the bolt threads? Tod
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I would first try to re-torque the bolts to 35 ft lbs and see if that takes care of it. I had a 273 and the bolt angle of the 273 heads is different than the 318,340 and 360 heads. They are bad about leaking oil so I had to but a little bit of RTV sealant on them to keep from leaking. The previous owner didn't know that and I had oil leak from under the bolts. I have never heard or experience it myself of coolant leaking under the intake bolts but not saying it couldn't happen. I put some RTV sealant on my 360 intake bolts even though I was told that I didn't have to... paranoid I guess but it doesn't leak anything. It didn't hurt a thing on mine so I don't see why you couldn't do the same.

Merry Christmas!
 
I am going to try the RTV route if I dont get any better replys. They only bolts that leak are on the front corner where the coolant jacket is.
 
Slappy said:
I am going to try the RTV route if I dont get any better replys. They only bolts that leak are on the front corner where the coolant jacket is.
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"better replies" ??

Geeez ...sorry I didn't for fill your expectations... j/k:-D
 
Please dont take it that way. I truly thank you for your advise. I guess I can see how that can be taken the wrong way.
 
watch your oil to make sure it is not seaping into the lifter valley.........
 
i,d pull it back apart and spray the gaskets heavily with coppercoat and retorque. not worth the risk if it fails. did you use the little nylon inserts? or use a new set of gaskets and some black rvt around the water ports.
 
I'd pull that intake because you might be getting coolant in the oil. I would also try using some FelPro 1213 intake manifold gaskets (assuming you have 340/360 ports). They are nice and thick and seal well. Don't use the end pieces, throw them out, use a thick bead of RTV there instead. What I do is clean all the surfaces with brake parts cleaner and paper towels then a put a few dabs of weather strip adhesive to hold the side gaskets in place. A very thin film of RTV around the coolant passages before putting the side pieces on won't hurt either. Let it set up a few minutes. Carefully place the intake onto the engine and note the gap on the ends. Now take it off and put a bead of RTV acrosss both ends that is thicker then the gap. Get a fresh tube and cut the applicator cap to the correct size. Note the sealing surfaces because its not straight across, especially that front passenger's side, that sweeps toward the rear when it gets close to the head. And make the RTV go up the sides slightly in the corners. Then very carefully lay the intake back on and bolt it down, cross tighten center bolts and work your way out. It would be best if you could let it sit over night if possible. You should be leak free after that.
 
Thanks for the advise. I did not use the end seals. I have done this procedure numerous times as this is what I do for a living. I cant figure out why this is happening. It has happened twice on two of my cars. Water is seeping from under one intake bolt. One on my Demon and one on my Duster on different sides. Oil looks ok right now. I have done the Duster one time before and had no issues.
 
Drain your coolant, tap the offending thread to clean it up, spray it down with contact cleaner, use liquid teflon or NAPA brand RTV black, let it sit for one day, refill with coolant.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
 
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