The Ford Barn

Purdy Swoft · 03-13-2012, 09:16 PM

I have heard of this problem many times and have had it myself. At some point in time a stud could have broken off in the block, this is very common. when broken stud was removed, someone could have drilled too deep and exposed the water jacket to the bottom of the stud hole. Maybe a stud was tightened too much and damaged the stud hole, or rust could have caused the problem.. the water jacket is sometimes coated with grease, caused from off and on over greasing the waterpump. Grease and crud mixed from the water jacket will ooze up the stud and around the head nut. I would drain the cooling system. Many times when you loosen the offending head nut, the stud will back out with it. If the stud backs out, this is good. Clean up the stud and head as best that you can. remove any residue and apply a liberal amount of good quality RTV type sealer to the threads and reinstall the stud and retorque the head in sequince. you may need to check and retorque a few times untill it will hold 55 ft. lbs.torque and you will probably be good to go. I wouldn't think that the problem will be that serious. Good luck. I had the same problem with Gus my rusty 29 but he is running good here with no problems.

Pat Martone · 03-13-2012, 10:30 PM

PURDY SWOFT - Thank you for your fascinating reply!
I will pursue the approach that you suggest.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 03-13-2012, 10:30 PM

Gentlemen, GREAT RESPONSES & INFO, KUDOS!!
Bill W.

03-13-2012, 09:16 PM	#21
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Why is oil leaking out of a cylinder head stud/nut? I have heard of this problem many times and have had it myself. At some point in time a stud could have broken off in the block, this is very common. when broken stud was removed, someone could have drilled too deep and exposed the water jacket to the bottom of the stud hole. Maybe a stud was tightened too much and damaged the stud hole, or rust could have caused the problem.. the water jacket is sometimes coated with grease, caused from off and on over greasing the waterpump. Grease and crud mixed from the water jacket will ooze up the stud and around the head nut. I would drain the cooling system. Many times when you loosen the offending head nut, the stud will back out with it. If the stud backs out, this is good. Clean up the stud and head as best that you can. remove any residue and apply a liberal amount of good quality RTV type sealer to the threads and reinstall the stud and retorque the head in sequince. you may need to check and retorque a few times untill it will hold 55 ft. lbs.torque and you will probably be good to go. I wouldn't think that the problem will be that serious. Good luck. I had the same problem with Gus my rusty 29 but he is running good here with no problems.

03-13-2012, 10:30 PM	#22
Pat Martone Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 495	Re: Why is oil leaking out of a cylinder head stud/nut? PURDY SWOFT - Thank you for your fascinating reply! I will pursue the approach that you suggest.

03-13-2012, 10:30 PM	#23
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Why is oil leaking out of a cylinder head stud/nut? Gentlemen, GREAT RESPONSES & INFO, KUDOS!! Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"