What Causes This
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
What Causes This
After running my 81 for awhile, I notice a anti-freeze smell. After a careful investigation I found anti-freeze sitting on the left and right front intake manifold bolts. The thermostat housing and hoses are fine and are not leaking. Where is this anti-freeze comming from?
Thanks for all information Tim
Thanks for all information Tim
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Sounds like your intake manifold gaskets are starting to leak. Coolant can also weep up the intake bolts.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
With engine 'cold', remove the bolt(s) having coolant leakage (around the threads). Blow the coolant out of those threaded holes or allow them to dry out. Wipe some Permatex non-hardening gasket sealant on the bolt threads. Re-install and torque the bolts to 30 ft-lbs. That should stop the 'weeping' of coolant at the bolts. Keep a good watch on the engine oil to make sure no coolant is contaminating it; that would indicate a crack in a cylinder head at/near a bolt hole.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: League City Texas
Houston Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '11-'12, '14
I believe in the Beer Fairy
not sure if this helps but i had a similar smell in my old gto when driving. found liquid on the passenger side carpet. come to find out the heater core was leaking.
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Race Director
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Ellicott City MD
The reason for dropping the pan is you now have quick access to the main bearings. If you find a milkshake in the pan, the first thing I'd do is pull a bearing and inspect it. My .02
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
You'll see that on the stick. If you're still unsure, just drain the oil. Then you'll know. You don't want to pull the pan unless you're absolutely sure there's a problem. Unless you enjoy wasting time.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
With engine 'cold', remove the bolt(s) having coolant leakage (around the threads). Blow the coolant out of those threaded holes or allow them to dry out. Wipe some Permatex non-hardening gasket sealant on the bolt threads. Re-install and torque the bolts to 30 ft-lbs. That should stop the 'weeping' of coolant at the bolts. Keep a good watch on the engine oil to make sure no coolant is contaminating it; that would indicate a crack in a cylinder head at/near a bolt hole.
I had the same problem w/my thermostat housing stud... a little permatex on the threads took care of it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
There's your answer. "From the bolts."
Check your oil and anti-freeze for cross contamination; but it sounds like you only have anti-freeze seepage at the bolt threads. Sealing the bolt threads will address your issue.
Your gasket would have to be blown to have further problems.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
Thanks everybody for your helpful advice. I plan on pulling the valve covers to change the leaking gaskets, so that should tell the tale. There are a lot of miles on the motor, but it runs just fine. Hopefully I will be driving it instead of rebuilding the engine.
Thanks Again....Tim
Thanks Again....Tim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Confusion
