Flemming Posted July 9, 2016 Report Share Posted July 9, 2016 Hello When removing the rocker cover today to adjust valves on my Vitesse 1600, 1965, Solex model, I saw coolant running from the front stud threaded hole!!!! Coolant was also visible on the dipstick as small drops. I assume the head must be corroded to an extend that allows coolant to find it's way to the threaded hole. I furthermore assume that the cure will be a new reconditioned head. Please comment. regards Flemming Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted July 9, 2016 Report Share Posted July 9, 2016 It may just be the head gasket. Cheaper than a reconditioned head, but you'll know more when you've got the head off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68vitesse Posted July 9, 2016 Report Share Posted July 9, 2016 If you mean the stud which holds the rocker cover why not just reseal the thread. Regards Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted July 9, 2016 Report Share Posted July 9, 2016 one nasty thought is the stud has pulled out the block , thats bad news are you sure its not some residual from a earlier spillage its not normal for coolant to be near the studs or holes condensation can produce a lot of water droplets on rocker covers an dip stick tubes including thick hair cream emulsions. do the simple first , what are the head nut washers like , have they deformed and youve lost clamping would'nt recomend a re torque as its a shim gasket they dont like re torques but its a worthwhile test before you get carried away Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flemming Posted July 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2016 It may just be the head gasket. Cheaper than a reconditioned head, but you'll know more when you've got the head off. how will the water find it's way through the threaded stud hole; which it clearly does? Yes, the stud is the front one of the three fixing the rocker cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flemming Posted July 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2016 If you mean the stud which holds the rocker cover why not just reseal the thread. Regards Paul Yes that's worth considering:-) At least to be able to drive the car to my garage some 60 miles away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flemming Posted July 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2016 Yes that's worth considering:-) At least to be able to drive the car to my garage some 60 miles away. When reading your comment one more time, I get the impression that the threads are sealed from factory - to avoid coolant leak through the thread!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted July 10, 2016 Report Share Posted July 10, 2016 Flemming, sorry, misunderstood, didn't realize you were talking about the rocker box cover stud! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Jones Posted July 20, 2016 Report Share Posted July 20, 2016 Assuming you are talking about one of the rocker box holding studs, I have seen this before more than once. IMO the solution (ok for long term too) is to lower the level of coolant to below the top of the head, remove the offending stud, dry/de-grease the threads and reassemble with a good quality lock and seal compound. Loctite will doubtless have something suitable. It's worked for me. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now