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Oil leak at head to block joint

Yeoman

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I've got an oil leak on my '71 1275 at the front left corner where the head meets the block. It's an area outside where the studs and nuts are, so I don't think it's just a question of retorquing. Payen head gasket was new this past winter.

What annoys me the most is that it's an area where I get a good deal of smoke once the engine and exhaust heat up. Once it burns off, no smoke that I see. I really don't like leaving a trail of smoke.

I plan to have the engine out this winter and I'll pull the head then and have a look. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the source of my problem?

Thank you.
 
So I am not alone in my oil leaking from the head.
After some research and asking some racer guys, I was told to replace my head studs.
I just did using APT studs. So far no leak but I just finished the job the other day and only drove around the neighborhood.
Mine was leaking pretty good, a major oil spot on the floor when I parked.
I also countersunk the head stud holes on the block just a bit. Someone said the old head studs stretch and also pull up on the block when torqued, do this over and over again over some 30-40 years and things start to fail and leak.

Frank
 
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