Been trying to fix the stalling problem in my 394ci in my 59/98 Holiday Scenie-Coupe. (that's fixed now) and bogging down under acceleration,(still there). Thought I would remove exhaust heat valve as it was seized and try and fix that and see if that makes a difference. Drivers' side.


Broke 2 of the 3 studs off, no big issue, easy fix when manifold off!


Got all manifold bolts off, except you guessed it just one, always just one to make the day exciting. This bolt was the bottom centre bolt. 1 and a half exciting days of toiling with that bolt it is finally out.


The bolt head was rounded off before I got to it. A few litres of Penetrine, slowly moving it with Xtrakta sockets of various sizes, putting a cut in the bolt head for a stubby screwdriver, then vice grips.


The time came when the bolt was loose and the manifold separated from the head. I knew I pumped some Penetrine in but after 3 minutes of it coming out I knew something was up. By now it is 9pm and I shone the light closer, yep, coolant.


I got the mirror under the bolt I just got out and the stream of water seems to be originating higher up the block near the head.


Can anyone tell me if the bottom manifold bolt in the block is going through to the cooling section somehow?
Have I ripped a piece from the block?
Have I done a head gasket?


Thanks
John.

 

Hard to tell for sure but unless you were really banging on the bolt hard enough to crack a head casting I would imagine the bolt hole enters the cooling passage. I've never torn down a 394 but I would be surprised if any exhaust manifold bolts go into the block.

 

Hi Don,
Good point. That bolt is in a position where I cannot give it a flogging but I did hit it with and air gun with a point on it after soaking it with Freeze 'N' Release" just to get the rust cracked so the Penetrine could soak in.


When getting the bolt out I could only ever turn it a fraction of an inch at a time due to the bolt being stubborn.

 

On the 394 a lot of bolts go into the water jacket in the block, you may be ok.

 

Lol its not broken, 6 of the exhaust bolts go through water jackets ( that's why they wont come , the inside thread gets rusty). It pays to replace them ( same as Valiant exhaust manifold bolts). Make sure to Wrap it with PTFE tape and reinstall, this will stop the leaking.

 

Hey Oldsmaniac, I just rebuilt my 1961 394, and did not find a single bolt entering any water jacket. Your scaring me now, as I did not put any sealant on any of the bolts.

 

Hey lazy394, my 1961 394 is still on the stand, I just checked mine, and none of them go into any water jackets. Is there a difference between the 1961 and older 394?

 

Yes they are a different generation of engine , 61 on while sharing some bits were essentially different.

 

WHEH that was scary, thanks