Coolant leak from which bolt?

[Wolvesboy]

Hi All, (next on the never - ending list)
As the title says - what bolt is this at 12 o’clock in the image? Whatever it is it is on TIGHT!
I have a load of coolant pi**ing out of it when engine on.
Thanks,

[Jhonno]

Coolant leaking out the head bolt..

Sometimes a tweak on the bolt can cure, but could be head gasket failed. Unfortunately..

[Wolvesboy]

Thanks for the reply.
Well if it is the head gasket then I’m all done. Yep, sick of owning this car and it will go. Bye bye Cerbera.
So..... fingers crossed it is “tweakable.”

[Wolvesboy]

Just thought I’ll add to my previous - anybody interested in the engine? An LS seems like a good proposition.

[Jhonno]

Wolvesboy said:

Thanks for the reply.
Well if it is the head gasket then I’m all done. Yep, sick of owning this car and it will go. Bye bye Cerbera.
So..... fingers crossed it is “tweakable.”

Head gaskets are £200 the pair and not *that* big a job..

The extra expense comes if you decide to refresh the heads at the same time.

[Jhonno]

Wolvesboy said:

Just thought I’ll add to my previous - anybody interested in the engine? An LS seems like a good proposition.

LS is a lot more cost than a head gasket replacement.. Are you in Australia?

[Wolvesboy]

Thanks for the reply Johnno - you are totally correct stating the head gaskets are only 200 or so etc. However, I'm over the continual upkeep as I have only driven her 3 times max. in the last 6 months (twice having to deal with the poor running as she goes). Totally due to constant repairs and issues. A friend has an LS3 in his Tamora - it starts first time every time, sounds awesome and goes like stink (just over 12 secs for a 1/4 on road tyres, in the wet etc - I daren't even attempt it in the Cerb for fear of something breaking). His servicing/ upkeep is minimal. There comes a point..............
If someone is serious about purchasing the 4.5 AJP then I can easily be persuaded.

[Jhonno]

Wolvesboy said:

Thanks for the reply Johnno - you are totally correct stating the head gaskets are only 200 or so etc. However, I'm over the continual upkeep as I have only driven her 3 times max. in the last 6 months (twice having to deal with the poor running as she goes). Totally due to constant repairs and issues. A friend has an LS3 in his Tamora - it starts first time every time, sounds awesome and goes like stink (just over 12 secs for a 1/4 on road tyres, in the wet etc - I daren't even attempt it in the Cerb for fear of something breaking). His servicing/ upkeep is minimal. There comes a point..............
If someone is serious about purchasing the 4.5 AJP then I can easily be persuaded.

Teething issues! To be fair, you could just be dealing with a lack of work by someone else, or just a spate of age/mileage related issues. Don't be disheartened! They reward use and keeping on top of maintenance!

[Thunderroad]

Is it worth just backing off the head bolt quarter of a turn then re-torquing it?

[Jhonno]

Thunderroad said:

Is it worth just backing off the head bolt quarter of a turn then re-torquing it?

Like I said above, it can fix it, dependent on the reason for the seep.

[ukkid35]

Here you can see that the headgasket itself does not seal six of the head studs, they are within the water-jacket

It is only the head, washer, and nut that form the seal

Whether you can remove the nut, resurface/repace the washer, and fix the seal I don't know

I do suggest that you ensure all the head nuts are at the correct torque, and tightened in the correct sequence, whatever you do

[ukkid35]

After all that, I've had another look, and it isn't one of the waterjacket studs

[spitfire4v8]

The composite part of the gasket deteriorates with age .. most of it drops into the bottom of the liner/block space .. I guess if it's deteriorated where the bolt is then coolant will leak up.
As a short term fix you could probably drain the coolant, take the nut and washer off, reface them / clean up .. smear with sealant and replace. What have you got to lose? If it doesn't work the engine's got to come out anyway. Might buy you some saving-up time ?

[Wolvesboy]

Thanks fellas - I appreciate the replies and suggestions. Your input is awesome and really positive.
Yep I will loosen it off, clean and attempt to seal it. Want to drive it now - it has stopped raining (yes it does rain here too)!

[Byker28i]

Wolvesboy said:

Thanks for the reply.
Well if it is the head gasket then I’m all done. Yep, sick of owning this car and it will go. Bye bye Cerbera.
So..... fingers crossed it is “tweakable.”

Been there, had those thoughts, they pass when the car is working right again.
An LS isn't a cheap way to go, unless you do it all yourself, have a cheap engine/drivetrain etc.