rock2001

I replaced the coolant crossover O-Ring and the 2 crossover gaskets on my 1979, and now it leaks. I think the oil breather gasket was ultimately the only thing leaking, but I replaced that and the crossover seals to be good. Now I have a coolant lake in the V of the engine.

Should I, or could I, use sealant on the gaskets? How about the ORing. I saw that at least one of the gaskets for the crossover 'ear' was leaking, but couldn't tell if the ORing was leaking too, or if coolant just got around the ORing location from the other leak. I used just a bit of grease on the O-Ring edge to get it into the block. Was that a bad idea? I can't get a torque wrench in the area, but I thought I tightened the bolts down pretty well. How much torque are the ear bolts supposed to have in theory?

I have it apart again, but I'm not sure how to proceed differently this time. I'm starting to change my outlook from "while you're in there" to "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Recent fixes of things that weren't broken have not gone well.

Thanks
Rock

nosnow

I recently did this on my '82. I'm sure you've already done this but make sure the cross-over is seated properly, the o-ring should be a very tight fit. It took a few tries to get mine correctly seated. I did use some gasket sealer on the cross-over gaskets because the surface didn't seem very smooth and I was worried they would leak. So far no leaks... If you are taking apart again and you didn't replace the bolts the first time I suggest you do. I had one bolt head snap off and the remaining bolts appeared to be corroded.

mark kibort

I used 518 permetex on the cross over even with new gaskets. Just too important to trust to a gasket alone. I used some plain high temp silcon sealer on occasion too. I think i did a light coating on the water pump. gasket. 1st, it helps it stay in place, and i think it also buys a little insurance. I dont think there is any downside, except when you do the job again, you need to scrap it off.

mk

Mrmerlin

use anti seize on the new cross over bolts

atb

Hey Rock,

If you replaced the rubber end gaskets with paper without expoxying in the slot, you're going to leak. Also make sure that your bridge isn't cracked.

Check out this link.

rock2001

We'll see what happens. I put sealant on the gaskets, and a small amount around the outter edge of the block's hole. C'mon big money! I better empty the swear jar now just in case.

Rock