Posted by Vaughn on Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 4:25PM :
In Reply to: head gasket leak - any luck with liquid sealer posted by Garrett Mayer on Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 10:02AM :
Are you sure you have a leak - air bubbles or oil?
If it's oil, you want to use a crankshaft main seal sealer that's added to the oil and take it for a long drive before shutting the engine off. Mechanics Brand or McKay in a yellow can or plastic bottle. Its been awhile since I bought some, and it's the only way to seal a oil head gasket leak.
The other is BAR block and head gasket sealer in a plastic bottle. Dark brown liquid with pellots. Don't worry, the pellots will not plug the radiator core. Use this for air.
When you assembled the head, a chunk of rust probably dropped out and is between the head and gasket preventing a tight seal. If you do a lot of mountain driving I would strongly consider pulling the head and replacing the gasket.
TIP - Always blow out the water ports of the head with air to force out any loose rust before assembly. 9 times out of 10 loose rust will fall out when you assemble the head.