Hmmm, I filled the '71 with coolant for the first time yesterday and just noticed a slow leak from the bolt on the bottom of the water inlet. I will take it off tomorrow to inspect but I don't recall any mating surface or corrosion pitting issues ... and I used aviation gasket sealer on all surfaces.

Anyone ever see a leak in this area before?

water inlet/lower rad hose fitting on spark plug side, yes? Sure its coming from around the bolt? no way its the rad hose or heater hose? The bolt holes are blind in the front cover, so if not the rad hose or heater hose clamp, that inlet fitting may be cracked.

Hey Philip, I had the same problem on my 77 280. Ended up using rtv (I think that's what I used) on the bottom bolt and the matting surfaces of the inlet and front cover. I started with the inlet first and noticed the lower bolt was weeping so put some around the threads and it's been fine ever since. I have a spare front cover and noticed the bolt hole (lower) is drilled all the way through the front cover.

Edited June 29, 201212 yr by rcb280z

Thanks guys! I appreciate your comradery in these situations!

Update:

Removed and inspected the inlet fixture and no pits, scratches or cracks. I also looked at the bolts and they seemed dry (with antiseize).

I put some red rtv (shudder) in the hole then slapped some aviation gasket sealer on the threads,re-did the gasket and surfaces with aviation gasket sealer then secured. I'll let it dry tonight then re-fill tomorrow.

Just have to wire the zx distributor then fire it up tomorrow. Yeee Hawwww

Thanks Again Guys!

I thought you weren't supposed to use coolant at 1st, just water. Just one of the thousands of suggestions I've read. You know better than most of those suggesting though. Can't wait to see some pictures.