hey guys I have a tech question, sorry if this is a bit lengthy.

Ok I have a 73 440 block with Edelbrock performer RPM heads in a 68 coronet 500. I have not long imported the car from Canada to NZ.

I have noticed a intermittent water leak that seems to be dripping down between starter motor and block. I run a stock type radiator, new water pump, fan etc. I first noticed this when I filled radiator to the top/cap. I realize as the water expands it will flow into catch can, or out the over flow hose at least, which it did not.

I went for a couple of short drives over a couple of weeks without incident, but upon checking on car after a couple of weeks in the shed, i noticed a pool of water on the floor. Although there was a large damp spot under the car, it wasn't exactly a puddle if you know what i mean.

I did notice water dripping down off the driver side oil pan, and upon further investigation, i could see a green water trace between starter and block. I could see a light green tinge around back of head, between block and head area, and very slight moisture. this is with a stone cold engine. i noticed this water trace is between the freeze plugs. most of the water trace appears behind the side of the starter, but i cannot see the same amount of water trace on block above the starter. I have noticed paint flaking above the starter between head and block though, but not between the starter and block.

(sorry if this seems confusing).

I cannot see the leak when the motor is hot, and now that the radiator water has leveled out as it should, the leak has slowed. I have taken a 15 mile trip in the car with no issues, but after a few days parked in the shed, the leak has appeared again, but much less than when radiator was filled to the top.

I'm guessing maybe i should pull the starter just to be sure it's not the freeze plugs. I have heard it could be that the heads need a re-torque but have been on the car for the last 6 years without issue as far as i know,although freeze plugs had been done in the last two years. also have heard that perhaps the header bolts are too short, i can see rust on header bolt heads, which to me looks kind of fresh. . .

If anyone could shed some light on the subject hear I would really appreciate your expertise.

Thanks to all for your time. Cheers

Does it have headers? Usually the unknowing replace the studs and use headers bolts. All the bolt holes go into the waterjacket. If they didnt seal the new bolts there is a chance they are leaking. If so, drain the water, pull the bolts 1 at a time and use a good sealer on them..

Probably not relavent to the problem but unless you have a coolant recovery system installed you should not fill the radiator to the top. Fill only to the baffle that is in the tank or 1/2 inch or so down to leaving room for expansion.

As said either ex bolts or freeze plug. I would borrow a radiator pump kit & pump it up to 15 lbs when hot & let it sit till it leaks. I would use OE type ex studs with the shoulder in the middle. Can trim the outer fine threaded portion till only enough remains for you to fit a nut on the end flush with the threads as any more is a waste & hampers header fitment and can use a high grade thinner nut so you can trim it even more

Additionally, just for the record I am pretty old school and Permatex #2 still does a great job of sealing for me.

He said he has Edlebrock RPM heads , the only heads that have wet exhaust bolt holes are STOCK IRON HEADS , the Ebrocks do not.

Gravity ... if you see green traces up at the head/block surface it could be the head gasket. Try re-torquing the head and see if that clears it up ? Otherwise start looking at the side of the block in the ara between the freeze plugs .

Do you have a radiator pressure testor ? If not get/borrow one and see if you can make it leak, otherwise you could try using a sealer like Moroso Ceramic seal.

thanks for all the tips guys, i didn't know the ED heads have a dry exhaust port. will use a radiator pressure tester, i guess this will make it leak faster and be easier to see? guess i should pull the starter for a better view too? can freeze plugs be changed without pulling the motor?

Thanks again

Yes they can. A couple of them can be a b**** but it can be done easier than pulling the engine.