So a week ago I was checking my oil and noticed some coolant on my block right where the block meets the transmission. Basically right under the coolant hose, check the hose nothing. Taking a closer look and it appears that it is actually between the head and block. WTF.
I just but the head on 18 months ago with a new head gasket and ARP head studs. Cleaned everything before reassembly.
So I check the plugs, they look good. Checked the oil, no coolant there. No white smoke.
I guess the coolant is some how getting pushed out between the block and head.

So last night I decided to retorque the Head Studs. I never went back and retorqued them. My thought was maybe they stretched and created this little leak. Did that and drove to the gym, open the hood still a leak but smaller.
Any additional help, incite, comments would be appreciated.


Picture of my block before the new head Jan 2007. The area circled is where I am guessing the leak is coming from.






Modified by OH_1fstgsr at 2:33 PM 7/19/2008

 

was it ever overheated? head could be warped.

what are you torquing the headstuds to?

 

If money is an issue I would just put it back together using a little honda bond in that area that you had shown, and also put some on the head too. Then if that doesn't work you are mostlikly going to have to deck the block, and resurface the head so you know it fixed 100%

 

Overheated no. Hot two or three time when I noticed the head gasket going. But the head has been Pnp'd since then and machined flat.

Called ARP gave them the part number of the head studs, they said 80ft-lbs.

Money is not an issue, time is and help. I was thinking the Hondabond route also. What about Copper Seal?

I don't think it is the head I am thinking the block possibly.
If I tear it down, when I am clean the Block and Head surfaces I will check them with a straight edge.
Anyone know a good place to get a straight edge, engine builders?

 

Block and Head Details

Block B18C1
USDM ITR Pistons (81.25)
USDM ITR Rods
OEM Head Gasket

Head GSR
DPR Stage 5 Port ‘n’ Polish
Rocker Arm Balance and Lightening
ITR Valves, ITR Springs, ITR Retainers, ITR LMA’s
CTR Intake Cam Shaft
ITR Exhaust Cam Shaft
(Compression Ratio 11.6:1)
ARP Head Studs

 

block is warped, look at the last pic, its not making even all the way contact. Mine is firmly down.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by IntegraType-R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">block is warped, look at the last pic, its not making even all the way contact. Mine is firmly down.</TD></TR></TABLE>

WHAT!!
If you look at the first pic, there is a opening in the block.
Please explain your comment.

 

I would double check the coolant housing(head) connecting to the radiator hose...if you look you can see coolant on there....i doubt coolant sprayed upwards from the block to get there. It more like its leaking downward from it..... use some hondabond to get
a good seal there.

 

Funny thing about that picture. Looking down on the engine you can't see that but when I put the camera down there and turned on MACRO. Maybe that is the problem.
I don't think coolant would have sprayed up also. I guess I know what I am doing on Sunday now.

 

i can see coolant dripping from housing of the upper rad hose. and even some on the coolant pipe going to the heater core. you sure it's not a split/busted hose that is spraying when hot?

i recently had to replace a bunch of old/split/cracked heater hoses for the same reason.

wash all that coolant down then pressure test the cooling system to see where it is comeing from exactly.

 

SAMCO Hoses, 18 months old. I hope there not split.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 00b18b &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I would double check the coolant housing(head) connecting to the radiator hose...if you look you can see coolant on there....i doubt coolant sprayed upwards from the block to get there. It more like its leaking downward from it..... use some hondabond to get
a good seal there.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday



Modified by OH_1fstgsr at 4:32 AM 7/20/2008

 

looks like you used some cheap RTV on the water neck....clean it up with a nice bead of Hondabizzle and you'll be solid

I agree- doesn't appear to be a head issue

 

It wasn't cheap RTV, it was old and to none. Once it took it off there appeared to be none. I guess I forgot or missed this last winter.
So I used a little 400 grit sandpaper to clean the surfaces, Acetone for additional cleaning. Put new Hondabond on and NO MORE LEAK.