Thread: RRC V8 Left Head - Coolant Leak Fix

Just a quick share of some work I did today.

This is on my RRC that had been sitting in a barn for many years. I bought it in 2017, and finally got it registered last week after a lot of work. With use its showing a few maintenance items that need doing.

Had a coolant leak from the front of the left head behind the alternator, wasn't a lot, just a constant drip. I removed the alternator bracket / backing plate and found it was the 3/4" welch plug.
I kind of figured it was this based on its location and that there were no hoses or obvious leak points above, so I got a plug in advance, just a few $ from Bursons.
Based on the incredible amount of corrosion on the outside this was the definite culprit. I had a look at the spare parts RRC I have also and this too looked a bit rusty behind the plate - In my opinion, I think moisture gets trapped behind the alternator mount and rots the plug from the outside (the coolant was still very green so was inhibiting corrosion from the inside I guess) - the opposite head plug in the same position is pristine, but its in the open air.

My fix, after replacing the plug, was to drill a hole in the plate at the base of where the plug is to allow drainage. Pics attached.


IMG_2378.jpgIMG_2379.jpgIMG_2382.jpgIMG_2383.jpgIMG_2386.jpg

Since you put a brass plug in it, shouldn't rust again like the original steel ones.