39 Ford coolant leak

M

Mike/NY

Member
I recently started driving our 39 Ford Deluxe a bit mire after being sitting for awhile and noticed some coolant seeping from between block and heads on both sides. The block is nos from Carpenter (bought 1995), correct surfaced 81A heads with nos head gaskets. Not much coolant, just a bit but there was a small puddle about the size of a childs hand.

Should I just retorque heads? Engine has now 1775 miles on it.

Thanks,
Mike
 
No signs of water in oil. Will retorque both heads. Which sealer do you recommend? Holts Wondarweld?
 
Last edited:
I use Barrs heavy duty block sealer with copper granules in it. Get
it good and hot and let sit over night with the radiator cap on tight.
The pressure built up from the heat will force the sealer in any little
openings. G.M.
 
Regular blue/green antifreeze coolant.

Torque setting at 50-60 ftlbs? First loosen all, then torque to 50 lbs, the to 60?
 
A retorque on a stud set would basically be to see if any will turn when torqued. If none turn then the torque is likely set. More torque than necessary could cause stud/nut failures. It isn't too complicated a matter to remove the heads for a gasket replacement but it does take a while to clean things up. Try the Barrs Leaks first.
 
I checked the torque, they are all ok. Coolant might have also seeped through some of the studs, there was some evidence of that and it has happened before. It is difficult to tell but seems now more likely than between head and block. That is a lesser problem but still I will try Barrs Leaks.
 
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