[OldSchool_IsCool]

After putting everything back together from head gasket surgery, I have a water leak where the water pipe bolts to the head. I cleaned both surfaces to a dull shine and am using fresh gaskets and O-rings.

Any suggestions on how to seal this joint or am I guna have to do something stupid with Form-a-gasket?

 

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Sorry to confuse, the O-rings seem to be holding just fine. They went in with just a light smear of grease.

The problem is the head-to-elbow gasket. I got it direct from Mother Honda. Came wrapped between two sheets of wax paper in a cardboard backed package. The gasket material itself was slightly sticky. I was hoping it was some sort of material that would expand with heat.

 

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Here's the leak ans here's the the mating surfaces. I tried the caliper grease trick (Permatex Ultra) but no go. Guna stew on it a little while I work on other things. Any ideas are appreciated!

 

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Whelp, I used some thermostat sealer to thinly coat the surfaces. Directions said to let 'er sit 24 hours. Went to fill the radiator for a leak test and...

Pissing water everywhere!! :yelling::yelling:

But, not from the elbow! Got out my endoscope and sure 'nuf, the O-ring was not seated correctly at the water pipe! GRRRR I had that O-ring in and out a dozen times without a problem, but this time it pinches!

So pull it all apart, clean off the surfaces again, fresh O-ring, properly seated this time, and new coat of thermostat sealer.

Have to wait til tomorrow to test it.

 

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I just went out to the garage and was able to fill the radiator WITHOUT any leaks!! I'll try to get out there to pressure test it later tonight.

Yes, definitely was pushing my luck with that O-ring. Too many cycles in and out for it to last!! The elbow was fairly flat to begin with, but honing it with a slab of marble made it flat 'nuf that I couldn't see any light under a straight edge.