What head bolts go through coolant passages?

[Hi-Fi]

I've only driven my 87 once, the drive home. Since then it's been on jackstands and I've been fixing/restoring/upgrading.

I noticed there was some coolant on the oil filter and the block (so passenger side, near the back). I cleaned it off and started the car to so where it was coming from. Appears to be coming from between the head and block, just below the rear most spark plug.

I'm thinking best case scenario, needs the head bolts to be resealed. Possibly needs a new head gasket.

Can you guys tell me which bolts need thread sealer? I'd like to try that first, before pulling the head. Is it the outside bolts, or the ones under the valve cover too?

I don't know much about the engine. Previous owner didn't know a thing about cars so when it started to need some work he got rid of it. What I do know is very generic - 383 rebuild at some point and I saw a raised "DART" casting on the iron heads.

 

[lilbowtie]

Make sure your not leaking from a higher position (intake) and wicking down. If your sure its coming from where you say it is possible to be leaking around the head bolts if not sealed properly. you might pull a rocker cover and see if there is and water coming up through any of those head bolts, (they all need sealant ) you will see water in the drain back oil if they are, and we'll go from there.

 

[Hi-Fi]

You know, it does look like a swamp below the intake manifold, perhaps it's coming from there. Some further investigation is in order.

 

[Bar50]

Consider checking the torque on the head bolts. Consider some block sealer.

 

[pontiacgp]

Head gaskets leak for a reason, if it were me I'd be pulling the heads off to have them checked in case the car was severely overheated

 

[Hi-Fi]

It leaks even when's it's not running, the leak is just so slow it's hard to tell if it's originating from below the spark plug area. I'm planning on renting a coolant pressure tester to see if I can find the exact source.

The Intake manifold is a performer rpm air gap and the area under the manifold part is very wet, as is the part near the rear. I want to make sure it's the headgasket before I pull the head as a headgasket is a lot more work than a Intake manifold gasket. If I do have to pull the head, at least I will be able to verify its a 383 and figure out the CR.

If the head comes off, it will go to the local head /machine shop.

Should have more info tonight.

 

[Texas82GP]

I don't think a leaking head gasket would result in coolant pooling in the 'valley' portion of an air gap manifold. I hope it isn't leaking at the head gasket.

 

[Hi-Fi]

You were right lilbowtie!! Looks like I caught a break. It's leaking between the head and intake manifold on the back and following the head around to the front and collecting / dripping just below the spark plug. I think the intake manifold is leaking in a few spots, add to it there is no pcv currently and non baffled valve covers, it's a bit of a mess between oil and coolant.

I'd much rather change a intake manifold gasket than a head gasket.