74 dart gas gauge and anti-freeze out of a header bolt

Man I sure could use some help. Helping a friend this morning and have two problems. He removed a header bolt ( driver side front) and anti-freeze ran out. Normal?

Gas gauge works intermittently and Checked at tank. Ground on gas line is good and getting between 4-5 volts on wire coming from trunk area.

Thoughts?

Thanks, Kevin

Yes normal.

Check the connection, the 5v should be what's coming from the gauge. When the gauge isn't working, disconnect the sender line at the tank and check for resistance. The sender should measure about 10ohms tank full, 73 empty.

Yep wet header bolts on a big-block. That's why so many prefer to run studs and nuts instead of bolts (if they fit). Less chance of coolant leaks.

If it is a small block with original factory heads then the end bolt holes will have antifreeze come out. The factory had studs in those locations. You can put studs back in even if you use headers. Did you check the dash gauge?

He is playing grandfather this afternoon. We might hit it tonight or in morning. It is a small block. I appreciate the help!!!!

Will come back and let you guys know how the fuel problem worked out.

You might get an OE type threaded stud with the smooth shoulder in the middle & mockup & you only need enough (fine) threads on the outer end of it so the nut fits flush with the end of the threads when tightened (take header gasket into consideration) then trim the excess. You can also get a thin high grade nut for even more gain. Use some gasket cement on the inside (coarse) threads