Just bought 1986 chevy, it has a 305 in it. I noticed a slow coolant leak coming from a bolt closest to the fire wall, just below the header. (i think it is where the head bolts to the block. And another slow leak, same engine side but a different bolt.

So is this a corroded head gaskett? Can i attempt to tighten the bolts? Should i replace head gasket/is it a pain for me or a mechanic to replace the head gasket?

 

All of those bolts thread down into the water jacket, so are quite possibly 'weeping' after all these years.

Look closely at the leak; you can tell if the gasket is leaking or not as it will more than likely leak at the juncture of the head and block if the gasket is at fault.

Yeah, you can put a torque wrench to 'em.

Allan

 

All of those bolts thread down into the water jacket, so are quite possibly 'weeping' after all these years.

Look closely at the leak; you can tell if the gasket is leaking or not as it will more than likely leak at the juncture of the head and block if the gasket is at fault.

Yeah, you can put a torque wrench to 'em.

Allan

 

thanks for the info, i'll try to torque them. If it stops i'll be happy, otherwise i'll be diving alittle deeper info the engine.