383 EXHAUST HEADER SURPRISE! WTH????
 

Inspired by the 67 Barracuda that I bought new in 67, my '23 TBucket has a Mopar 383 engine. Today I decided to remove the exhaust header to do some work on it. It's held in place with 4 studs/nuts and 2 bolts at the #8 cylinder. To my surprise, when I removed the bolts water came out!! I haven't had any indication of water in the cylinders, or anywhere else that it shouldn't be. I'm not familiar with the internal passages in these heads. Should I be concerned???
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/moparfo...113c7e8073.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/moparfo...ac6c6f9a76.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/moparfo...d4e7d1cee5.jpg

67 -

Concerned - yes.

Where did it come from - not enough info.

How long has it been sitting, and where has it been sitting?
Do you have pure water in the radiator or part anti-freeze?

Archer

The car is garaged in Arizona and is driven at least once a week, including yesterday. The coolant is a water - antifreeze mix, mostly for rust prevention. The motor has about 5K miles on it or so. I've been chasing a misfire issue for a while, tweaking timing and carb settings. As I said, there have been no signs of water in the exhaust or anywhere else.
PS - I just pulled one of the bolts from the other side and also got water, so I'm assuming that it's normal. But I'd still like affirmation from someone else. THANX!!!

67 -

If you have a water - anti-freeze mix, if it were coolant coming out of the headers, it should have the same tint.
It looked like clear water.
Also, (if I'm seeing the picture right), it seems like it's pouring out, too much for simple condensation.
If it's a few drops, it's condensation, normal, but still not great.

Archer

My 440 does that too. The manifold bolt holes go into the coolant passages. Its not a problem. Put thread sealant on the threads when you assemble it. If you can use studs on those holes, it would be better.

Thanks!! I think I'll stick with the bolts, but I'll definitely use sealant on the threads.

By the way, nice looking ride

Thanx!! So's yours!
Just looked at your profile. USN myself. Reserves '63 - '69, FTM3, USS Springfield CLG7 COM 6thFLT '65-'67. Would have made it my career but I saw my oldest daughter for the first time when she was 8 days old and the next time I saw her she was 14 months. Turned down a commission for that reason. (I cried on my 39th birthday!! "I COULD HAVE RETIRED TODAY!!" :-) )

Yep... Those holes are drilled all the way threw... Sealer will seal them when you put it back together...
Nice Ride.... Thank You for your service !!!