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Re-Torque Head Bolts After Break in to Stop Oil Leak?

Re-Torque Head Bolts After Break in to Stop Oil Leak?

jdcxyz

Jeeper
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Location
Fredericksburg VA
Vehicle(s)
'79 CJ7 AMC 304, '70 Chevelle SS 454
So my newly rebuilt AMC 304 started up and ran great. Broke my cam in and have ran the motor almost every day for a few weeks. Not one drop of oil on my garage floor. Took her out for a spin yesterday, just a few blocks. Got back and now I have an oil leak. And a pretty good one at that. Discovered it was coming from the right rear of the motor, looks like it's coming from between the block and head. It's definitely not coming from the valve cover, it's bone dry there, and if it was, I expect I'd have burning oil on my headers. Rear main seal is dry. Took the inspection cover off the tranny and everything there is dry. I'm curious if I should re-torque the head bolts, and if this might stop the leak? The motor was machined, the block and heads were decked. Both cast iron.

Thanks!
 
Rear of intake manifold ?
 
Not coming from the rear of the intake, I was really careful when I installed it, used a good bead of gasket maker. Here's a picture of where the leak comes from, right where the head and block mate. I just find it strange that it didn't leak until I took it out for a short drive.

Picture3.webp
 
Looks like the gasket is separated to me. I think retorquing the head bolts will solve your problem. Maybe smear a little gasket cement in that separation before you do.
 

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