Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 235c.i.d./"848" head question

I noticed a small amount of motor oil weeping from the front bolt that holds the coil bracket to the side of the head. I pulled the bolt, and took a drive around the block, and it is indeed blowing a minor amount of oil as far as the inside of the inner fender. Is this hole tapped into the oil galley, or do I have something cracked in there? It seems that if it were tapped that way, it would blow huge amounts. I imagine a little teflon tape on the bolt will stop the minor weeping, and the motor pretty well holds about 20lbs. of oil pressure when warmed up. Am I going to have bigger problems down the road? No evidence of water in oil, or vise versa.

Squirt some brake cleaner spray into the hole to clear out the oil and leave the threads dry. Then clean the coil mounting bolt the same way. Apply an even coat of silicone sealer to the bolt threads and install it. Let it cure over night before starting the engine. No more leak.
I have one valve cover screw hole on my 250 that is busted through into the water jacket and with silicone it hasn't leaked in 3 years.

Teflon tape might work but on a straight bolt thread I've always had much better luck with the silicone. Teflon tape will eventually break down and dissolve in contact with petroleum products because that is what it is made from. The more solvent the petroleum, like diesel fuel and gasoline, the sooner it breaks down.

The coil bolt hole doesn't go into the oil galley, but it does go through to the inside. If you were to talk the valve cover off you would see where it comes out. Yes, you should put some sealer on it, but don't overdo it or you may end up with a chunk of silicone coming loose inside the motor. Make sure you're using the proper length bolt also.

Thanks for the tips. I'll use the silicone, sounds like a better idea. I'll pull the cover to inspect that area, and clean it from inside as well before using the silicone on the threads outside.