I just built a 436 C.I. Small block with all top shelf parts....I am running Brodix/weldtech -10x heads (new). My block is a Motown (Merlin) block (new). The block has blind tapped holes...meaning they do not protrude into water jackets I am using Cometic gaskets...for those who dont know they are 3 piece steel gaskets ($75.00 each). Very good quality..good for street...require no sealer no re-torque. using ARP studs....no sealer...not needed remember holes are blind tapped.......torqued in sequence in 15lb incriments. Block was decked heads were milled.

The problem is I have noticed oil leaking from the short head bolt/stud at the front of the cylinder head/block on the passenger side....looks like it is seeping up through the threads.....not sure how this is possible....there is no oil in this area....my only thought is a small crack in the block(from the edge of the cylinder bore to the bolt hole in the block....some oilwhich is passing by the rings is seeping to the threads and coming out.........or a problem with milling?? Spark plug in this cylinder is light gray.....dont realling think there is that much oil passing by the rings.......the oil is not "tracking" from somewhere else......just from the treads....I looked with a flashlight and mirror......very frustrated,........If anyone has any ideas please reply......Motor is not using excessive oil and runs great.........only 400 miles on new parts....

Help ...please.......Thanks Tom

 

That sounds strange to have oil coming from a short head bolt.There is really nothing but water surrounding it. If it is near the front of the engine, could it possibly be perhaps a intake manifold end rail leaking, and oil is running that direction. Just throwing out ideas.

 

I have another post ...same topic...here is the link...more replys over on the other post.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=458695

 

I had that same problem years ago and I solved it by taking the bolt out and putting non hardening brown Permatex NO.2 thread/gasket sealer all over the threads and it stopped the oil leake....you have nothing to lose...try it ...hope it works for you also... :cheers:

 

I'm sure you have checked, but are you sure that the oil is not seeping out from the corner of the valve cover gasket and pooling around the bolt head? If you are still using the stock magnesium valve covers, it is possible a small hairline crack (they are fairly brittle) is allowing oil to weep out and collect on the head bolt. Just a thought.