The Ford Barn

Bruce_MO · 02-24-2025, 11:39 PM

I have a freshly rebuilt stock 59-AB in my ‘46 Mercury, and it’s leaking coolant between the head and block on the driver side down low above the exhaust manifold. The leak is slight… things are dry when the engine is off and cold. But when I run it up to temp for 5-10 minutes and build some pressure, the gasket surface is wet an inch or two along the block/head interface. I’ve checked the torque and nothing has changed after a couple cycles. I’m assuming I’ll just watch it and check/retorque a few more times. I had good results with a head gasket sealer on a modern car, so I may entertain that if the leak continues or worsens. Any preferences on brands for flatheads? I’d like to avoid replacing the head gasket for now. Thoughts welcome. Thanks

02-24-2025, 11:39 PM	#1
Bruce_MO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 592	Weeping head gasket- fresh rebuild I have a freshly rebuilt stock 59-AB in my ‘46 Mercury, and it’s leaking coolant between the head and block on the driver side down low above the exhaust manifold. The leak is slight… things are dry when the engine is off and cold. But when I run it up to temp for 5-10 minutes and build some pressure, the gasket surface is wet an inch or two along the block/head interface. I’ve checked the torque and nothing has changed after a couple cycles. I’m assuming I’ll just watch it and check/retorque a few more times. I had good results with a head gasket sealer on a modern car, so I may entertain that if the leak continues or worsens. Any preferences on brands for flatheads? I’d like to avoid replacing the head gasket for now. Thoughts welcome. Thanks