Motor leaking water

[buickboy]

Guys i thought i had smoked my steel shim headgaskets and was leaking water past them (water was leaking on the ground). Now that the heads are off, i don't think so. When i removed the ARP head bolts (they were all still at torque), all but two headbolt shanks were completely wet with antifreeze. When i installed them in December i had cleaned the threads in block and used PST sealer on the threads, new ARPs and torqued to spec. I think the sealer failed to do its job.
Anybody else have this happen? What did you use when you put it back together and have good results?
thanks,
Mitch

 

[Nick Micale]

There are 2 things I have found on steel shims that must be done to keep them from leaking. First, they must be re-torqued next day after install, and again after a heat cycle or 2. Second, I always use a couple GM cooling system pellets.

For install, I use Permatex spray copper coat and put on when still tacky. There may be other ways, this works for me. Any that I have NOT done with this procedure, leaked water.

Also, I use the brush-on GM sealer for bolts/studs.

 

[TurboRegal84]

Sealing

For the Bolts I use Permatex Form a Gasket #2....I coat all the threads and some of the bolt that is not threaded, after that I dip the head and washer into some 10W-30 Oil, and thread it into the block finger tight.


Be sure to clean the deck surfaces flat, and then wipe them down with some solvent to futher clean it of any oils or residue that my be there.

 

[TClassic]

Most guys already know, but you DID use a Thread Cleaner Tap on all the Bolt holes Right???

 

[nitrousmike175]

Originally posted by Nick Micale
There are 2 things I have found on steel shims that must be done to keep them from leaking. First, they must be re-torqued next day after install, and again after a heat cycle or 2. Second, I always use a couple GM cooling system pellets.

For install, I use Permatex spray copper coat and put on when still tacky. There may be other ways, this works for me. Any that I have NOT done with this procedure, leaked water.

Also, I use the brush-on GM sealer for bolts/studs.

What are the GM cooling pellets you are talking about and what is there purpose.

 

[Louie L.]

GM cooling tabs come in a package of 12. They are made of natural stuff like crushed almond shells and stuff like that. They were mainly used on Northstar engines to get them to seal up on the coolant side. They will solve most problems like leaking out of the head studs ect.... I use them often.

 

[Russ Merritt]

Happened to me too! What a pain in the a$$. Seal tabs work!!

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by Louie L.
GM cooling tabs come in a package ...... They were mainly used on Northstar engines to get them to seal up on the coolant side. .

The GM cooling system pellets have been around LONG before the Northstar!

 

[buickboy]

Thanks to all for your opinions and experiences. I will be going back with a brand new P/N multilayer spring steel shim factory coated head gaskets. I will let everyone know how they work. Pretty high tech gaskets. Proud of them as well. I will be using GM bolt thread sealer and some more GM seal tabs for insurance.
Turbo T that Pees

Mitch