The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rocker shaft bolt into water jacket?

Hi,
My engine is a 1961, 261.
I overheated/cracked the head and replace it (the head). I found another 848 head (date code 1960) and had it built.
I put it all back together but had an issue with water coming out where it should not.
Long story short, the 5th bolt (counting front to back) that holds the rocker shaft/pedestal GOES INTO THE WATER JACKET. None of the other 5 shaft/pedestal bolts do.
My question is, are all heads like this? I don't recall ever putting sealer on the shaft bolts.

Thanks in advance.
Joe

I don't recall seeing that situation before, but the fix can be pretty simple- - - -put a stud in that position instead of a bolt, and use a couple of drops of Loctite as a sealer. Either blue or red- - - -they can both be made to release with a little heat from a torch if you ever need to remove the stud.
Jerry

Thanks for the reply Jerry.
Any harm in just using the original bolt with some 'pipe fitting' sealer on it?
Joe

It might work, but a lot of years of dirt track racing has taught me to use the most effective approach to a problem, not the one that's got any chance of failing. I know, beyond a doubt, that a stud anchored with a hard-setting thread locker isn't going to leak. I've also learned not to draw to an inside straight in a poker game.
Jerry