The Ford Barn

Mike/NY · 05-18-2018, 06:06 AM

I recently started driving our 39 Ford Deluxe a bit mire after being sitting for awhile and noticed some coolant seeping from between block and heads on both sides. The block is nos from Carpenter (bought 1995), correct surfaced 81A heads with nos head gaskets. Not much coolant, just a bit but there was a small puddle about the size of a childs hand.

Should I just retorque heads? Engine has now 1775 miles on it.

Thanks,
Mike

alanwoodieman · 05-18-2018, 07:45 AM

retorgue the heads and add some block sealer , be sure to check for water in the oil first!

G.M. · 05-18-2018, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanwoodieman

retorgue the heads and add some block sealer , be sure to check for water in the oil first!

2nd

Mike/NY · 05-19-2018, 01:52 AM

No signs of water in oil. Will retorque both heads. Which sealer do you recommend? Holts Wondarweld?

G.M. · 05-19-2018, 09:30 AM

I use Barrs heavy duty block sealer with copper granules in it. Get
it good and hot and let sit over night with the radiator cap on tight.
The pressure built up from the heat will force the sealer in any little
openings. G.M.

Clem Clement · 05-19-2018, 11:57 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Did you use Model A Ford water? that stuff leaks out every time.

Mike/NY · 05-19-2018, 12:13 PM

Regular blue/green antifreeze coolant.

Torque setting at 50-60 ftlbs? First loosen all, then torque to 50 lbs, the to 60?

petehoovie · 05-19-2018, 12:37 PM

50- 60 ft. lbs. torgue. Don't loosen nuts. See > http://vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flath...rque-specs.htm

rotorwrench · 05-19-2018, 12:38 PM

A retorque on a stud set would basically be to see if any will turn when torqued. If none turn then the torque is likely set. More torque than necessary could cause stud/nut failures. It isn't too complicated a matter to remove the heads for a gasket replacement but it does take a while to clean things up. Try the Barrs Leaks first.

Mike/NY · 05-19-2018, 02:33 PM

I checked the torque, they are all ok. Coolant might have also seeped through some of the studs, there was some evidence of that and it has happened before. It is difficult to tell but seems now more likely than between head and block. That is a lesser problem but still I will try Barrs Leaks.

05-18-2018, 06:06 AM	#1
Mike/NY Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 57	39 Ford coolant leak I recently started driving our 39 Ford Deluxe a bit mire after being sitting for awhile and noticed some coolant seeping from between block and heads on both sides. The block is nos from Carpenter (bought 1995), correct surfaced 81A heads with nos head gaskets. Not much coolant, just a bit but there was a small puddle about the size of a childs hand. Should I just retorque heads? Engine has now 1775 miles on it. Thanks, Mike

05-18-2018, 07:45 AM	#2
alanwoodieman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: upstate SC Posts: 2,963	Re: 39 Ford coolant leak retorgue the heads and add some block sealer , be sure to check for water in the oil first!

05-19-2018, 01:52 AM	#4
Mike/NY Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 57	Re: 39 Ford coolant leak No signs of water in oil. Will retorque both heads. Which sealer do you recommend? Holts Wondarweld? Last edited by Mike/NY; 05-19-2018 at 06:31 AM.

05-19-2018, 09:30 AM	#5
G.M. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida and Penna. Posts: 4,471	Re: 39 Ford coolant leak I use Barrs heavy duty block sealer with copper granules in it. Get it good and hot and let sit over night with the radiator cap on tight. The pressure built up from the heat will force the sealer in any little openings. G.M. __________________ www.fordcollector.com

05-19-2018, 11:57 AM	#6
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,393	Re: 39 Ford coolant leak Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Did you use Model A Ford water? that stuff leaks out every time.

05-19-2018, 12:13 PM	#7
Mike/NY Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 57	Re: 39 Ford coolant leak Regular blue/green antifreeze coolant. Torque setting at 50-60 ftlbs? First loosen all, then torque to 50 lbs, the to 60?

05-19-2018, 12:37 PM	#8
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 8,074	Re: 39 Ford coolant leak 50- 60 ft. lbs. torgue. Don't loosen nuts. See > http://vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flath...rque-specs.htm __________________ The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... *"Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!"* "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0

05-19-2018, 12:38 PM	#9
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,420	Re: 39 Ford coolant leak A retorque on a stud set would basically be to see if any will turn when torqued. If none turn then the torque is likely set. More torque than necessary could cause stud/nut failures. It isn't too complicated a matter to remove the heads for a gasket replacement but it does take a while to clean things up. Try the Barrs Leaks first.

05-19-2018, 02:33 PM	#10
Mike/NY Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 57	Re: 39 Ford coolant leak I checked the torque, they are all ok. Coolant might have also seeped through some of the studs, there was some evidence of that and it has happened before. It is difficult to tell but seems now more likely than between head and block. That is a lesser problem but still I will try Barrs Leaks.

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