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In this Discussion
- Geoff C., N.Z. September 2006
- Hudson308 September 2006
- junkcarfann September 2006
Slight oil leakage from cylinder head
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I noticed what looked like oil leakage by the dip stick on the straight 8 ( 49 Hudson ). Closer inspection shows it is actually coming from the rear drivers side corner of the cylinder head ( between the head and the block ). How is this possible? The flat head contains no valve train - I know there is coolant in the cooling jackets, but where would oil be coming from? If the head gasket was leaking, would it show as oil? No I am talking about a very SMALL amount of leakage - just enough to show on the block near the dip stick and around the area between the head and the block. Is this something to worry about, or something to ignore?
BST RGDS
GARY ( happychris ) -
I would re-torque the head nuts, with the engine hot, just to ensure that the head is down tight all around. And yes, it is possible for slight leakage to show as an oil stain from the head gasket. It is also possible for bubbles to leak into the water jacket if there is a leak, and for water to get into the oil, so, I would tighten the head and see how you get on. Torque down to 50 lbs. Start from the centre, and work criss-cross working equally to each end.
Geoff.
Geoff.If you're stuck in a hole, stop digging. -
I would respectfully disagree, Geoff... there aren't any oil passages in the head. My guess is that either: 1) the coolant is being discolored by combustion residue or gasket sealing material, or 2) the oil isn't actually coming from the gasket seal. One possibility for the latter is a leaking rear cam gallery plug that's migrating down from the rear of the block.Workin Stiff
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If the engine uses oil because the oil control rings allow oil to get into the combustion chamber, and there is a head gasket leak, it is possible for that oil to then exit the engine via the leak.
It will be a small amount, mixed with coolant that then evaporates, resulting the the scenario presented above.
