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Cracked Head? 440

PurpleBeeper

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So, I've got the valve covers off & just adjusted the valve lash. I notice that there is some coolant "weeping" out of the rear/lower valve cover bolt hole on the passenger side. Is that a cracked head?

I'm "hoping" those threads just run really, really close to the head cooling jacket & I tapped too deep cleaning up the threads.....but I'm just "hoping".
 
Big block? 440? Don't see how a 440 could Leak coolant from the valve cover bolt hole. Don't think there's a coolant passage near there
 
Just tapping out a bolt hole would not go into a water jacket, only if you drilled through there. Then I guess it's a possibility, although remote. Clean the coolant out , put it together and drive it a bit, check again tomorrow.
 
The valve cover bolts don't go into the water jackets......As noted above I would just clean it out and see if it shows back up....
 
As stated above, there isn't a water jacket there. It would have to be a BIG crack to get water in the valve cover bolt holes. Check for coolant in the oil, that would be where i would start if you're really concerned. Keep us posted.
 
Iron or aluminum heads?
Iron heads

I am SUPER confused by the coolant. Where did it come from? All I did was remove the valve covers. It's more than a few drops.

No signs of coolant in the oil (thank God) & the hole eventually dried up after putting a paper towel inside it. I did use some RTV silicone in that hole when I tightened up the valve cover....very strange???????
 
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The end valve cover bolt holes are nowhere near the cooling passages?

Huh.

90D60DC1-AE1F-4E6C-8412-61659020DEB0.jpeg

The factory used studs in those end bolt holes.
I’d suggest you do the same for that leaker.
Just use some silicone on it before you put it in.
 
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