Oil in head bolt holes!

[David Baldock]

Hello all,

I'm removing my engine for a new water pump. When I removed the head bolts I found all 10 head bolt holes were full of oil. I've never seen this before so wondered if anyone else has?

The old head gasket looked good & I had no bad external oil leaks so I just can't figure out how it got there.

One odd thing is that when I removed the bolts the holes were full, flush with the head so does that mean they filled up as I removed them? Otherwise the level would have dropped as I pulled them out. Wouldn't it?

Also the oil doesn't return once I've emptied it.

What's going on?

Dave B

 

[Scott Simpson]

Hi Dave,
Did you drain the engine oil and coolant, before you started removing the head?
If not, it's probably just accumilated oil in the head galleries, looking for somewhere to go. I'd be more worried if it was only one or two bolt holes filling. Also, much of what you saw was probably coolant with oil floating on top.
Are you going to get it sorted for Brooklands Double 12 in a couple of weeks?
Scott

 

[David Baldock]

That must be it Scott. I did drain oil & coolant but didn't remove the oil cap!

Lack of air pressure pushing down?

Should be up & running for Brooklands. Started at 0515 this morning so no lack of enthusiasm.

See you soon.

Dave