View Full Version : Weird Coolant Leak
ggunter
05-11-2021, 08:31 AM
This one is perplexing so I'm going to ask on here if anyone has seen this. I have a BPE 347 with a coolant leak on the left rear corner of the cylinder head just behind the last plug it is only what you can see in the photo. It doesn't run any further forward then the spark plug boot and it only runs down on to the back of the block and it's not much. I cleaned it off about a month ago and took the car for a 50 mile ride and nothing came back. So after sitting for a month I looked at it the other day and its back. Unless it's a porosity issue in the head I don't have a clue what could be causing this. Has anyone seen this? I have contacted BPE a month ago when it fiirst started and I assume in the end I will be putting a head on it.147683147684
ggunter
05-11-2021, 08:32 AM
Just a follow up, I did check the torque on the headbolt and it was good.
Is there any change you're getting fluid from the overflow or from any of the hose fittings that could weep making its way onto the block?
ggunter
05-11-2021, 10:02 AM
My overflow tank is on the other side in the front, The weird thing is, there is no coolant anywhere else but what the picture shows. I pulled the bolt out of the lifting bkt in the back of the head to check there because BPE said they had some issues of the bolt hole being drilled all the way through into the head but that was dry. I think maybe I'll clean it off and pressure test the cooling system and just watch. I would have thought with a 50 mile ride it would have shown up but eveidently it takes a long time to appear.
Mike DiGiorgio
05-11-2021, 10:31 AM
do you have a coolant pressure check tool? i would bet if you put 15-25 psi of pressure into the coolant system you will find the leak very quickly
svassh
05-11-2021, 10:36 AM
Different motor but similar situation with one intake manifold bolt on a SBC. Solution was putting thread sealant on the bolt thread with the leak. Pretty cheap fix you might try on that bolt. Even though it was dry doesn't look like a big leak so as the hot coolant subsides the bolt threads may have dried up by the time you took it out.
BluePrintEngines
05-11-2021, 10:44 AM
Hello GGunter,
I am sorry to hear you are experiencing an issue with our product. Can you contact us at 800-483-4263 and have your serial number handy? I would like to start a warranty file for you, so we can get this issue resolved for you. We look forward to resolving your concerns in a timely and professional manner. If you have any other further questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Thank You, Jose
rich grsc
05-11-2021, 11:25 AM
Intake manifold leak
Norm B
05-11-2021, 01:18 PM
Another possibility is they missed the sealant on that head bolt during assembly. The lower head bolt holes extend into the water jacket.
ggunter
05-11-2021, 01:35 PM
That is a possibility, I wasn't sure if Ford head bolt holes are open to the water jacket or not. I know Chevy is open. it's just strange how the coolant lies on the shelf and doesn't go forward of the spark plug boot. You would think if it was the bolt it would drip off the bottom of the bolt and not get up on the ledge above it. I reached out to BPE and they said they would call back.
That is a possibility, I wasn't sure if Ford head bolt holes are open to the water jacket or not. I know Chevy is open. it's just strange how the coolant lies on the shelf and doesn't go forward of the spark plug boot. You would think if it was the bolt it would drip off the bottom of the bolt and not get up on the ledge above it. I reached out to BPE and they said they would call back.
BPE support is first class. They'll get the issue resolved for you.
GoDadGo
05-11-2021, 03:20 PM
On a Chevy Small Block sealant is required on the head bolts because they protrude into the water jackets.
Are Small Block Ford's head bolts blind or do they penetrate the water jackets like the SBC?
If they do, could that head bolt simply not be sealed properly?
Just a thought from the Dark Side!
i.e.427
05-12-2021, 12:55 PM
Coolant is leaking past the thread of the head bolt. You can try pulling the bolt, re-applying sealant and running it in again but I found that once the threads are wet, it's a b**** to get it to seal. On a recommendation from an engine builder, I spread high temp RTV (Red) on the threads and ran the bolt in. Torqued to spec and not a leak since. This was a SBF with head studs but the same should apply to head bolts.
Edit: Should be noted; drain your coolant before you pull the head bolt.
ggunter
05-12-2021, 01:14 PM
I went to pressure test it last night and my old stant tester decided it was not going to seal anymore so I bought a new one today and will pressure test when I get home. BPE called me last night and seems to think its an intake leak but that area is completely dry so I'm leaning more towards that head bolt. I'll pressure test this evening and see what happens. I'll keep you posted.
ggunter
05-13-2021, 10:43 AM
Ok here goes, I pressure tested the car for five hours last night. Nothing leaking. I ran the car for and hour and let it cool down. After dinner I went back and checked it and found that green stripe on the cylinder head. I checked the oil to make sure there were no coolant bubbles showing on the dipstick and then then it showed itself. The breakin oil is a green color. I took a small mirror and looked around and found on the underside of the valve cover it was wet at the rear of the valve cover and would weep itself down to the head and lay on the ledge and looked just like coolant. Resnugged the valve cover bolts and ran for another hour and no weep. YEAH!!!147814147815
FLPBFoot
05-13-2021, 11:24 AM
Ok here goes, I pressure tested the car for five hours last night. Nothing leaking. I ran the car for and hour and let it cool down. After dinner I went back and checked it and found that green stripe on the cylinder head. I checked the oil to make sure there were no coolant bubbles showing on the dipstick and then then it showed itself. The breakin oil is a green color. I took a small mirror and looked around and found on the underside of the valve cover it was wet at the rear of the valve cover and would weep itself down to the head and lay on the ledge and looked just like coolant. Resnugged the valve cover bolts and ran for another hour and no weep. YEAH!!!147814147815
Glad you found it! A good feeling. I had to go through 4 heat cycles with torquing valve covers and intake manifold bolts between each to get my leaks to dry up and remain tight at the torque specs. I keep an eye on the tightness and now check them each spring. No movement and all remain torqued and dry.
Steve
Great news! So is the oil you are using Liqui Moly?
BluePrintEngines
05-13-2021, 11:27 AM
Thank you for contacting us Gary! I am glad we have discovered the issue! It was a pleasure speaking with you. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Thank You, Jose
rich grsc
05-13-2021, 12:44 PM
Always do a taste test. :eek:
Avalanche325
05-13-2021, 01:11 PM
Always do a taste test. :eek:
Reminds me of an old Cheech and Chong skit.
.......good thing we didn't step in it.
ggunter
05-13-2021, 01:16 PM
Your absolutely right Rich, the taste test would have saved time for sure. Papa Iam using the breakin oil BPE sent along with the engine.
CraigS
05-14-2021, 06:38 AM
Always do a taste test. :eek:
I worked as a tech on BMWs 5 yrs and Lexus 21 yrs. I got some weird looks a couple of times from other techs but the taste test is absolutely one of the all time best tests for liquid leaks in cars. All the liquids have a very different taste. There is no way you can mix up green oil w/ green coolant or red coolant w/ red PS fluid.
narly1
05-14-2021, 08:16 AM
YEAH!!!....
I've been in similar situations many times and there is no better feeling than when you figure a problem out.
You won, you didn't let it beat you, you beat it!
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