Thread: Head gasket leak (external), Advice Sought.

Ok so here is the scenario. I have a 3.9 that's been beat on pretty bad.
I care not much for this engine. So please keep that in mind.

It has developed an external coolant leak between the head and block face on the front passenger side.
The leak is at a rate of about a drop a second at idle.

Prior to this I also discovered it had extremely high compression in cyl no.8 (190psi wet test, as opposed to 140-155 on all other cyls), but never found the cause, nor cared.

I was wondering if anyone can recommend a product that will seal this sort of leak permanently, or until the engine completely dies or I become unlazy and replace the head gaskets (highly unlikely).

ALso any suggestions on the causes of high compression in cylinder 8 would be appreciated, but not a priority at the moment.

Cheers
Grimace

Originally Posted by LowRanger

One drop per second is a fair leak.I have found Wynn's Stop leak to be fairly good at stopping leaks.But best results are found to run the cooling system unpressurised for a while to let it do its thing,then do the cap up.
Maybe you just haven't pulled the valves up into their seats on no.8 cylinderMore right foot required

I have been known to Rev this thing in neutral above 6500 for minutes at a time.
Usually it is the alternator belt destroys itself.

Originally Posted by Hall

I would use a copper based sealer. Much better than the silica based ones. Will seal up well. Had a 2.8 ltr diesel Delica that are notorious for blowing head gaskets. The copper sealant is the sealer of choice.
Cheers Hall

Originally Posted by BigJon

Seal-Up is the one I have had good success with.

Thanks, I will have a look into this Cooper based sealer and seal up. Assume I can grab this stuff from Supercheap.

Originally Posted by bee utey

If you really hate this engine just get a ball peen hammer and carefully hit along the edge of the block near the leak. This will distort the metal just enough to raise the gasket clamping force to seal. Dunnit myself, some 30 years ago.

Or get $3 worth of stop leak and bung it in.

Yer high compression is likely due to carbon build up from a busted valve stem seal, extra oil will also cause that plug to foul up sooner too.

Never herd of that method will give it a go after I try the sealer.

Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

A tig welder

That's a good last resort method I'll keep in mind.

Originally Posted by djam1

Can the MODS please ban this man from posting in the technical section lol

Hey this is all good info if your ever stuck out Bush with a leaking head gasket.
Best tech all year lol.