Antifreeze in exhaust manifold
 

Yesterday I removed my intake and exhaust manifold on my coupe that has been sitting 6 or 7 months and hasn't been started. When I took off the manifold a few ounces of antifreeze ran out of the #2 & #3 exhaust ports. I checked the oil and it looks good (no milkshake color). My initial reaction is a blown head gasket? It has a Winfield head, and compression is consistent on each cylinder at +/- 135lbs. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold
 

The gasket is probably not blown but will be soon. You might get by fora while by checking the torque on the head nuts.

Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold
 

Just one (1) lucky experience:

Had installed an inexpensive J. C. Whitney head gasket in the early 1960's, (unknown brand), with no copper on top & no copper on bottom -- all black fiber gasket; however, it had steel all around each combustion chamber.

After a couple of years, the steel rusted & gave way between cylinder's 2 & 3 & leaked small amount of coolant at this location.

Luckily, was able to change the head gasket before it blew & installed a NAPA copper gasket whereby it stopped leaking.

Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold
 

Hey thanks, for the reply. I'll check all bolts first and re-torque if needed at 55lbs? thanks again James,,, just hoping I don't have a crack somewhere. Car ran fine last summer.

Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold
 

I have a couple NOS gaskets, and two new carbon fiber and steel "best brand" from Charlie Yapp that I ordered yesterday to be prepared. I'll finish what I was doing, get it running , then eventually pull the head I guess so I don't have further problems. thanks

Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold
 

When you pull the head for the new gasket, have it resurfaced on a Van Norman 570 broach so the texture is like what was done at the factory. A smooth surface like done with a Kwik Way stone or CBN grinder is too smooth and will allow the gasket to move. These are for decks and heads that use 70# or more torque at the bolts, not the A which is usually 50 or 55#.

Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold
 

While you've got that head off, carefully check the block deck for cracks between the exhaust-valve seat and the cylinder bore.

Hate to be a Gloomy Gus, but A's are known to crak there... better to check now.

Hoping for the best for you !

SC Frank