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Coolant Leak from Intake Manifold

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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 03:42 PM
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Default Coolant Leak from Intake Manifold

I noticed that I was losing coolant. Today I put a pressure tester on my system and saw coolant coming from the intake manifold. The leak is coming from the second from the last bolt on the intake (left side) When I shut off the vehicle, it seeps for a few minutes (my guess it stops because the system is not under pressure). What could be the cause. I tightened the intake bolts. My question is what is the cause. Intake is Edelbrock Performer (2101) and Edel RPM heads. Had no leaks in the last 9 years since I installed the setup.

Looks like a remove/replace intake gaskets job on the horizon.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 03:47 PM
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Have you tried Teflon tape on the threads of the bolt in question?
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 03:59 PM
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No. Good idea, I will try that now. Leak only coming from one bolt,
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldguard 7
No. Good idea, I will try that now. Leak only coming from one bolt,
Let us know how it goes.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by JimLentz
Let us know how it goes.
Teflon tape no go. Put permatex thread sealant with Teflon on offending bolt.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldguard 7
Teflon tape no go. Put permatex thread sealant with Teflon on offending bolt.
That's what you need. Let it dry for a bit before you fire it up. Don't over torque the bolt.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldguard 7
Teflon tape no go. Put permatex thread sealant with Teflon on offending bolt.
No tape.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Jud Chapin
No tape.
I started the vehicle after applying sealant and tightening bolt. (duh!!!!) Will remove clean threads reapply sealant and wait a few hours.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldguard 7
I started the vehicle after applying sealant and tightening bolt. (duh!!!!) Will remove clean threads reapply sealant and wait a few hours.
Yeah, you have to let that stuff dry for a while.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 05:45 PM
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If it was leaking on the outside its likely leaking on the underside also. I suggest loosening all of the bolts then re-torque them starting in the center and working your way out and also put one container of Barz-Leak into your cooling system.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 05:55 PM
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Unless you want to clog and replace your heater core, don't do this. Just seal that one bolt and you'll be good to go.

Originally Posted by toobroketoretire
If it was leaking on the outside its likely leaking on the underside also. I suggest loosening all of the bolts then re-torque them starting in the center and working your way out and also put one container of Barz-Leak into your cooling system.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 06:31 PM
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I agree, I would not even entertain using barz leak or any other type of "stop leak" for any system. It is a recipe for disaster. One should always find and correct the cause instead of doing the "quick, easy fix"
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 07:43 PM
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Oldguard 7,

Keep in mind that just cleaning the threads on the bolt is only half of the equation. The threads in the cylinder head need to be cleaned also. I have small round brushes that I use to clean the threads in areas like this so I know both surfaces will allow the sealant to adhere.

And NOT wanting to 'hi-jack' you thread. I was like you a long time ago on NOT wanting to use any system sealants if something were leaking....but to be honest...there are some products that are REALLY awesome....that I would have NEVER tried unless it was one of my customers DEMANDING me to try it...due to the cost of doing it the 'right way' was costly.....and 8+ years later....the system is still sealed up. Not one hiccup .

DUB
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 08:00 PM
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[QUOTE=DUB;1590549750]Oldguard 7,

Keep in mind that just cleaning the threads on the bolt is only half of the equation. The threads in the cylinder head need to be cleaned also. I have small round brushes that I use to clean the threads in areas like this so I know both surfaces will allow the sealant to adhere.

And NOT wanting to 'hi-jack' you thread. I was like you a long time ago on NOT wanting to use any system sealants if something were leaking....but to be honest...there are some products that are REALLY awesome....that I would have NEVER tried unless it was one of my customers DEMANDING me to try it...due to the cost of doing it the 'right way' was costly.....and 8+ years later....the system is still sealed up. Not one hiccup .

DUB[/QUOTE
Not a thread hijack this is what a forum is SUPPOSED to be. Exchanging/sharing experiences, idea, opinions, and things that DO WORK
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 08:30 PM
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Do the bolts even go into the water jackets? I've never used any thread sealer on intake bolts and have never had a leak.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 08:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Cool95vette
Do the bolts even go into the water jackets? I've never used any thread sealer on intake bolts and have never had a leak.
Some of them do. It's pretty common to see a bit of coolant on the intake, but it's an easy fix.
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Old Sep 23, 2015 | 06:35 PM
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Using Teflon thread sealant is wise. Because I have seen so many engines where there may not be a coolant leak...but puddles of oil coming from the bolts...collecting on the intake around the bolts.

DUB
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Old Sep 23, 2015 | 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by DUB
Using Teflon thread sealant is wise. Because I have seen so many engines where there may not be a coolant leak...but puddles of oil coming from the bolts...collecting on the intake around the bolts.

DUB
I just fixed one this week. A little PTE thread dope, and good to go.
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