Oil leaking from Exhaust Mani after head work

[brynden29]

I just got done having my head worked on (redecked, valve job to replace valve stem seals) I just got done putting it all back together. I fired it up and noticed oil leaking out of two of the exhaust manifold stud holes. I don't have all the exhaust manifold studs in, they will be here Tuesday. I just wanted to start it up I am not planning on driving it until I install the manifold all the way. I don't consider myself a noob and I have a Chilton's guide that helped me along the way.

2 questions...

1. Has anyone had this problem before, and if so, what was the solution.

2. What are the torque specs for a 1991 GSX? The Chilton's guide said from 65-72 ftlbs. That seems like a big range. I am hoping that I did not torque the head bolts enough and that is where the leak is coming from.

I circled the bolts that I noticed the oil leaking from. Any ideas?

 

[Calan]

I believe at least 2 of the mani studs are tapped into oil passages in the head. There is another thread about this floating around somewhere.

 

[IslandTSI]

I would say thats what it is as well. Pull the studs out and take a look down the hole. Try putting some teflon tape on the studs when you re install them, or you can use some rtv to seal them up

 

[brynden29]

Thanks guys. I will do that when I get the studs.

Anyone know about the torque specs for the head bolts?

 

[Forsakened]

As far as torque specs go it depends on if those are the original studs or not. If they are original you are "supposed" to replace them because they stretch/warp.

I have the "Chrysler Motors" Service Manual and it also says 65-72.

I've gone as far as 80 ft/lbs with no problems though, so I don't think it would hurt to go tighter especially if they are original.

 

[brynden29]

I am reusing the stock bolts. They looked good.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

I don't ever recall thier being studs that tap into the thread. At the level of pressure that the oil pump pushes the oil it should have been seeping out the threads from the factory.
I got a spare head at home, I'll go take a look after work and get back to you.

 

[Larry L]

I was about to do the same. Tell us what you find.

 

[MidnightTSI]

My head is doing the same thing. What is the best way to seal them up? I already tried RTV and after awhile the oil started seeping out again. I will never go through clearwater again. Does anybody have some input on this? I am pulling my exhaust mani today so hopefully I can stop these leaks.

Charlie

 

[blcknspo0ln]

I don't ever recall thier being studs that tap into the thread. At the level of pressure that the oil pump pushes the oil it should have been seeping out the threads from the factory.
I got a spare head at home, I'll go take a look after work and get back to you.

I was about to do the same. Tell us what you find.

That exact spot is actually a stud that goes into an oil galley in the head. You will need to clean up the threads and put a sealant on the stud when reinstalling. I like using permatex thread sealant (white) and let it dry for 24 hours after torqueing the stud down.

 

[turboglenn]

That exact spot is actually a stud that goes into an oil galley in the head. You will need to clean up the threads and put a sealant on the stud when reinstalling. I like using permatex thread sealant (white) and let it dry for 24 hours after torqueing the stud down.

HOw many of the studs actually do this? I have a puddle that forms in the "galley" area between the outlet for cylinders 3 & 4 (between the top bolts on the manifold for each cylinder in that little valley area) It would be interesting to see how many of them can possibly do the same thing. (and id would answer some questions i've been pondering)

And i also have one in the area that his has formed... this is good to know i guess, at least now i can stop thinking i'm going koo-koo trying to find the source and not being able to track it to any gaskets or anything.

 

[romeen]

In my experience just using the oem studs seals up the threads and I've never had to use a thread sealant. But if you are going to use one I have had good results with this one:

http://www.permatex.com/products/Au..._Permatex_High_Temperature_Thread_Sealant.htm

 

[MidnightTSI]

Thanks for the tips and advice guys. Hopefully everything holds up this time.

 

[Black94DSM]

If I remember correctly none of the stud holes actually go through from the factory. I have seen people drill and tap for heli coils and such, and thats when they drill through to the oil galley.

I did the same thing. Like mentioned above I just put on some thread sealer and all was fine.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

I know for sure just the single center bottom stud goes through a galley. Let me rummage through my photobucket to find the picture.

 

[turbosax2]

This one?

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

yup, i just found the thread when you posted up.

 

[romeen]

Is it the same with regard to that stud on both 1G and 2G heads?

 

[awdwhip]

Wow! I super glad I found this thread because I'm having the same issue with the exhaust studs too. Gonna go get some sealant this weekend

 

[turbosax2]

Is it the same with regard to that stud on both 1G and 2G heads?

I don't know about 1g's, but it is true for 2g's. I used Permatex No. 2 on that stud per Defiant's recommendation.

 

[MidnightTSI]

I don't know about 1g's, but it is true for 2g's. I used Permatex No. 2 on that stud per Defiant's recommendation.

Nice, that's exactly what I used. I'm sure it should solve the problem.