Strange Oil Leak

[steveg]

Since my engine rebuild, I've had a small oil leak adjacent to each spark plug. Couldn't figure them out because my rocker gasket wasn't leaking.

Turns out the outer rocker pedestal stud holes are tapped all the way through above the spark plugs. These studs require a thread sealant.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Thanks for posting this, Steve. I've had oil stains around a couple plugs on a freshly-rebuilt engine; I believe this solves the mystery (not worth pulling the rocker pedestals, though).

 

[steveg]

Bob - You don't have to pull the pedestals.

Double-nut and remove the studs; blow out threads with carb/brake cleaner and compressed air. Seal threads - I used Permatex Thread Sealant but pipe dope or hylomar would also work. Re-install and torque nuts to 300 lb. in. (25 lb ft). I did all 6 in around 1.5 hrs.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I need a valve adjustment anyway, I'll do this when I'm in there.

 

[Healey Nut]

If its not leaking then theres someting wrong . Healeys are like dogs they leave their mark everywhere they go .
Like my signature says “ its not an oil leak its a patent pending rustproofing system”

 

[steveg]

If its not leaking then theres someting wrong . Healeys are like dogs they leave their mark everywhere they go .
Like my signature says “ its not an oil leak its a patent pending rustproofing system”

Yuk, yuk. Yeah, "if it's not leaking, you're out of fluids," etc. etc.

Healeys can be made to be quite leak-free with perseverance.

I'm thankful I didn't buy a 356 at the time: I'd have nothing to do as it's already perfect - the Healey is imperfect, yet endearing.

 

[Lin]

Steve,
Not that you need validation - you always carefully observe and analyze what ever the topic of your attention is - but below you will note in the Technical Tip included in the paperwork for my Dennis Welch aluminum head that the Welch team recommends doing exactly what you did. Sealing the threads on the studs above the plugs is advised to avoid oil leaks.
Lin

 

[steveg]

FWIW - dotting the t's and crossing the i's...

I pulled 3 of the inner pedestal studs and confirmed the holes are blind - no possible oil leakage into the cooling system.