Leaking head bolts!

[EnLjones]

I was under my truck today changing the oil when I found what appeared to be anti-freeze dripping from the oil pan. After some closer inspection I found where the anti-freeze is coming from. On the exhaust side of the engine the third and fourth bolts back, next to the aluminum head part going through the cast iron part on top of the engine. The bolt head is right next to the aluminum part and there is not enough room to even get a socket on the bolt head! The anti-freeze is seeping up around the bolt head. What would cause this and how do I fix it? I've got 107K on the engine so there is no warranty left.

 

[ata]

I know I'm going to hear all the CON'S. But go get a bottle of head- block sealer that has small aluminum particles in it and dump it in the Radiator. Then take the truck out for a nice long drive. Don't worry it will not plug anything up but the weeping head bolts and any other small leaks. Don't use Bar's stop leak that looks like it has big rabbit pellets in the bottle that will plug your heater core.

 

[Mhannink]

the cause i suspect is a leaking head gasket

 

[SRadke]

I'd have to go check my gasket but I don't remember those bolt holes going into the water jacket. If they do not, I would guess as stated above you may have a head gasket issue.

-Scott

 

[EnLjones]

If I had a head gasket problem would there be any other signs that the head gasket has failed? I don't have any oil in my anti-freeze, or anti-freeze in my oil and I haven't noticed a drop in power... I would hate to have to pay to have the head gasket replaced just to find out that it wasn't bad.

Thanks

 

[rscurtis]

You might want to verify that none of the pipe plugs on the top of the head are leaking. With the clamping load between the bolt and the head, I'd be suprised to see a leak there even if you had a head gasket problem. Another option, which I've been chastized for even suggesting, is install a lower pressure radiator cap. I've run a 7# on my '03 since new with no issues.

 

[EnLjones]

Now that you mention it, it could be coming from those pipe plugs and running back towards the clamp bolt. Can I just pull those pipe plugs out and re-seal them? What kind of sealant is used on them?



Thanks

 

[Shadrach]

There are IIRC 3 1/2" pipe plugs and the heater hose nipple back there. I would use the thread sealant that looks like tooth paste (PST band ) on them if thats where you think it coming from. The aluminum part on top of the head is the rocker box and above that the valve cover. Irontite make a good rad sealant. It comes in a 16 oz bottle, p/n 9132-16. Shadrach

 

[mini14]

just tightend my friends 03's pipe plugs, they were leaking pretty bad. it runs down onto the head bolts making it look like their leaking, used teflon paste.