1963 radiator fluid in rocker cover

[Neil F.]

I have a 1963 Corvette 327 240HP. On removal of rocker cover, I discovered a spoonful of radiator fluid. However there is no traces of radiator fluid in the motor oil. Big car show on Sunday so urgent help needed.
Fletch in OZ

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963 radiator fluid in rocker cover

Is the coolant level low ??? Any recent work done to the engine or cooling system ??

Any external coolant leaks around the intake ??

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 radiator fluid in rocker cover

Neil,

The leak could be coming from a head bolt as they thread into the block water jacket, the solution is some black thread sealer on the bolts. You may want to pressure test the water system and see if everything holds pressure first.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1963 radiator fluid in rocker cover

Neil I don't know what you or anyone else may think of this option. However based on the fact that my 96 LT4's owner manual and my 96 Monte Carlo's owners manual both have the same information about using a supplement when changing the coolant.
In addition to using new antifreeze the supplement is specified to be used because of the coolant change. GM sells the supplement in a blister pack part number 3634621, however it can also be purchased at a parts store in a blister pack by Bar's Leaks of 6 hard tablets.
You could try the Bar's Leaks tablets if your coolant is clean to stop your leak.
When a co-worker asked me if I wanted to buy his 96 Monte Carlo years ago he told me the only thing wrong with it was coolant loss, nothing on the ground. I took the car home and changed the oil and found no antifreeze in the oil. I looked at the invoices my co-worker had on service at the Chevy dealership where he bought the car and the coolant had been changed, no supplement charged for on the invoice. I went to the dealership and asked the service writer about them adding the supplement with a coolant change, he did not know what I was talking about. I bought the car, changed the coolant and added the supplement just like the owners manual specified. No more loss of coolant, have put about 50,000 miles on the Monte since I bought it and still no coolant loss problem.