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Coolant weeping through head gasket

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Doug McCowen, Apr 16, 2013.

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  1. Doug McCowen

    Doug McCowen Rookie

    Nov 6, 2011
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    Irvine, CA
    #1 Doug McCowen, Apr 16, 2013
    Have completely rebuilt engine for my 75 308 GT4, that had the head and crankcase work done by (I believe) a very competent machine shop. They had all the correct specs, including the torque requirements. Once I had installed the engine in the car, I was putting in the fluids, in preparation to fire it up for the first time, and noticed there was coolant weeping through the head gasket in 3 locations on both heads. It would puddle between the heads at the rate of about a half dollar sized puddle in 10 minutes. The machine shop said that this is not common, but does happen and to go ahead and start the engine, bring it up to temp a couple of times and it should go away. Has anyone seen or heard of this situation? I am also concerned whether coolant has gotten into the oil and maybe I should drain the oil and check for any coolant in the bottom of the pan before I start it up for the first time.
     
  2. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
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    #2 Glassman, Apr 16, 2013
    I doubt that is going to just go away.
     
  3. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #3 WILLIAM H, Apr 16, 2013
    I had coolant in the engine of my Vette cus the pistons had fractured from racing

    Coolant mixed w the oil is not a good thing

    I would take the car to the shop & have them start it then see what happens
     
  4. DesertDawg

    DesertDawg Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 DesertDawg, Apr 16, 2013
    You don't really need to drain the oil to check for that... though you can if you want - just pull the dipstick out, and if more than just a little bit of coolant has gotten into the oil, the oil on the dipstick will look foamy & discolored (especially will be discolored & not look "right" in terms of consistency shortly after changing all fluids).

    Check it cold, then run it for a few minutes & check it when hot, right after shutoff so you can see if there's a difference in consistency.
     
  5. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
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    #5 Glassman, Apr 16, 2013
    The term "weeping" is not correct. The heads are leaking fluid. If it was my car I would be demanding satisfaction from the experienced rebuilder. Don't they gurantee their work? The car has not even been started yet and it is leaking fluid?
     
  6. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
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    #6 tbakowsky, Apr 16, 2013
    It says right in the Ferrari workshop manual that some seepage my occur under pressure. If you just filled it and its already leaking without any pressure in the system, you may have a problem.

    Fill it up, and put a pressure tester on it. If the seepage becomes a gusher, pull the mill. Don't even start it.
     
  7. DesertDawg

    DesertDawg Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 DesertDawg, Apr 16, 2013
    That part right there is certainly a big red flag.
     
  8. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

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    #8 finnerty, Apr 16, 2013
    My advice would be to take it back to the shop right away, on a flatbed ---- DO NOT EVEN START IT ONCE. Then, agree with the mechanic that the car will get its inaugural start / run / test at the shop ---- with both you and the mechanic watching. That way, if there is a problem (or if one develops quickly), there should be no room to debate whose fault it is ;).
     
  9. WJGESQ

    WJGESQ Formula 3

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    #9 WJGESQ, Apr 21, 2013
    That's a great response.
     

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