Coolant Leak

[l1driver]

Hey Guys, I have a 2000 Silverado Z71 Ext. Cab with a 4.8 motor and 209,000 mi. About a year ago I had the exhaust manifold bolts replaced and upgraded because several of the heads broke off. Recently I noticed an Orange crust forming on the right rear bolt head. Took to my mechanic and he said it was coolant leaking through the bolt hole. He said they can pull the bolt and put a sealant in the hole and put the bolt back in to stop the leak. Has anybody out ther experienced this? If so, how did work out?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by l1driver

Hey Guys, I have a 2000 Silverado Z71 Ext. Cab with a 4.8 motor and 209,000 mi. About a year ago I had the exhaust manifold bolts replaced and upgraded because several of the heads broke off. Recently I noticed an Orange crust forming on the right rear bolt head. Took to my mechanic and he said it was coolant leaking through the bolt hole. He said they can pull the bolt and put a sealant in the hole and put the bolt back in to stop the leak. Has anybody out ther experienced this? If so, how did work out?

the exhaust manifold bolts are supposed to be torqued with medium lock tight on the threads. the threads will need cleaning prior to the torque/ install of the bolt.

they most likely drilled too far thru the block. did not use a stop on the drill bit. the best way to overcome this screw up is then to use a coolant sealer in the anti freeze. mix only 1/4 of the container. use bars stop leak premix first and drain radiator and install the sealer coolant mix then top off and after a few miles should stop the leak..

what I don't like is the aluminum engine will react with the steel bolt over time. steel and alum in a solution means corrosion. make sure the dexcool is at 65% to 35% distilled wter for max corrosion protection.

[l1driver]

Thanks for the info jcat, Truck is at the shop now. I took it back to the shop that replaced the manifold bolts to start with since it has been less than a year since the repair. Not sure what method they will use to fix the issue. They have accepted responsibility for the problem and said they would make it right.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by l1driver

Thanks for the info jcat, Truck is at the shop now. I took it back to the shop that replaced the manifold bolts to start with since it has been less than a year since the repair. Not sure what method they will use to fix the issue. They have accepted responsibility for the problem and said they would make it right.

possible they can use an epoxy to fill the hole . I hope this is the only one .