The Ford Barn

1935TOWtruck · 01-24-2018, 01:46 PM

Hi got another question should water weep out of head when loosening head nut?

Purdy Swoft · 01-24-2018, 02:38 PM

I don't know if it should leak. It is always best to at least drain the coolant to at least below the level of the head before loosening any head nuts . Sometimes you may get by but why run the risk of getting coolant in the oil pan . The model A only has 14 head studs .

1931 flamingo · 01-24-2018, 02:50 PM

DUH??
Paul in CT

Purdy Swoft · 01-24-2018, 03:07 PM

Loosening head nuts runs the risk of coolant leaking around the head stud, between the head and block or past the head gasket and into the oil pan . The model A only has 14 head studs , this is a weak point and has less clamping force than any other engine that i'm familiar with .

1935TOWtruck · 01-24-2018, 03:08 PM

Thanks Purdy I Know water jacket is right there just wanted to make sure that it was not a indication of a crack or bad head gasket.Have no water in oil but am having other issues with it.Had this loosen it to put cable clamp back on head.

Purdy Swoft · 01-24-2018, 03:19 PM

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Sometimes there can be holes in the bottom of the threaded head stud holes in the block. Holes in the bottom of the stud holes can be caused by rust or over tightening of the studs . I've seen this cause leaks around the stud that is black and looks like oil but is not . In such cases I use silicone sealer on the stud threads . In any case drain the coolant before loosening head nuts for your own protection .

BILL WILLIAMSON · 01-25-2018, 10:12 AM

It' best NOT to use a cable clamp!
If a head gasket is TOTALLY LEAKFREE, NEVER loosen a head nut, for ANY REASON!!!
Like Purdy said, "There's ONLY 14 headbolts"
Bill Practical

01-24-2018, 01:46 PM	#1
1935TOWtruck Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 20	Water leak Hi got another question should water weep out of head when loosening head nut?

01-24-2018, 02:38 PM	#2
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Water leak I don't know if it should leak. It is always best to at least drain the coolant to at least below the level of the head before loosening any head nuts . Sometimes you may get by but why run the risk of getting coolant in the oil pan . The model A only has 14 head studs .

01-24-2018, 02:50 PM	#3
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Water leak DUH?? Paul in CT

01-24-2018, 03:07 PM	#4
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Water leak Loosening head nuts runs the risk of coolant leaking around the head stud, between the head and block or past the head gasket and into the oil pan . The model A only has 14 head studs , this is a weak point and has less clamping force than any other engine that i'm familiar with .

01-24-2018, 03:08 PM	#5
1935TOWtruck Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 20	Re: Water leak Thanks Purdy I Know water jacket is right there just wanted to make sure that it was not a indication of a crack or bad head gasket.Have no water in oil but am having other issues with it.Had this loosen it to put cable clamp back on head.

01-24-2018, 03:19 PM	#6
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Water leak Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Sometimes there can be holes in the bottom of the threaded head stud holes in the block. Holes in the bottom of the stud holes can be caused by rust or over tightening of the studs . I've seen this cause leaks around the stud that is black and looks like oil but is not . In such cases I use silicone sealer on the stud threads . In any case drain the coolant before loosening head nuts for your own protection .

01-25-2018, 10:12 AM	#7
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Water leak It' best NOT to use a cable clamp! If a head gasket is TOTALLY LEAKFREE, NEVER loosen a head nut, for ANY REASON!!! Like Purdy said, "There's ONLY 14 headbolts" Bill Practical __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF" Last edited by BILL WILLIAMSON; 01-26-2018 at 02:34 PM.