Posted By: DMR440
440 water leak - 10/09/12 09:00 AM
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
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
Additionally, just for the record I am pretty old school and Permatex #2 still does a great job of sealing for me.
