Coolant loss,cracked Castech heads.Lifter tick/cold start. Broken Ex

[certified22]

Question #1

 

Disappearing coolant, cracked Castech heads

 

Has anyone ever heard of this and is it an issue cause everything I've ever been taught tells me cracked head no good but apparently this crack in these heads isn't good but isn't anything to worry about fixing

 

 

Question #2

 

Cold start lifter tick

 

 

How bad is a cold start lifter tick and what causing it?

 

 

 

Question #3

 

Broken exhaust manifold bolt

 

 

What would cause a manifold bolt to break without ever being touched?

[diyer2]

My guess would be defective bolt or install, then the heating and cooling process.

[txab]

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/Bluegorilla/2008-12-05_142924_Coolant_loss_5.3.pdf

[certified22]

Are you guessing cause that's pretty standard shit there buddy not trying to be rude but if I was looking for that answer I wouldn't be wrenching on my own truck cause I'd be to stupid to know the open end from the box end I was looking for more out of the box scenarios like something to do the the castech heads having weak threads on one exhaust port in particular that kind of stuff and if nobody came up with anything I would just assume defective bolt that broke under stress of heat and cool hell you could have even asked if I backed into anything low enough to the ground that I may have shoved my exhaust forward causing it to push up on the exhaust manifold especially that rear drivers side bolt ultimately breaking the bolt and I would have replied that I have not backed into anything but that's a good thought and I appreciate your input but you didn't say that you went with defective bolt or install mixed with heat and cool still very possible and an answer but pretty sure I got that covered bud A for effort

[Doug_Scott]

AFAIK Castech heads are typically bad due to porous castings, not cracks. You can't "fix" porous heads, you have to replace them.

 

As for the exhaust studs breaking, I doubt hitting the exhaust while backing up would ever transfer enough shock to the manifold to head bolt causing it to break, too many pre-bent spots in the pipes that will simply bend more instead. I think you will find most happen on aluminum heads/cast iron manifolds. Anyone ever check to see how tight the manifold is one the bolts with the cylinder head at operating temps? By this I mean if you loosen all the bolts, is the manifold free enough to rattle around on the loose bolts? Perhaps this is simply due to bolt holes being too light to the bolts, not allowing any movement due to expansion?

[txab]

He's correct. Expansion and contraction of dissimilar metals, vibration, and crappy bolts can cause it A castech head has nothing to do with it.. Get a better attitude toward other members that are trying to help you quick or you get time off. Are these this issues on the same crap engine you've been discussing previously that went without lubrication too long?

[Duelin]

It's not uncommon for the exhaust manifold bolts and studs to snap off. After time and prolonged deterioration from high temps and stress they get weak. And the pressure of the expansion of the exhaust manifold against them will cause them to snap.Most vehicles have the same problem. It is just easier to repair on some vehicle than it is on other vehicle.

 

txab, looks like you were posting while I was typing.

[txab]

OP if you have bad castech heads, it's easy to spot. Heads should be replaced or repaired, not left to run with the crack in them. Most common place for coolant loss is water pump gaskets or the wp itself

 

CSLT can be caused by lifters not pumping up or even poor lubrication

[certified22]

I appreciate all the advice fellas I had a piss poor attitude the other day so I appologize to diyer2 my bad now yes same issues as on the 5.3 L that has never gone without lube if your refering to me driving with lower than normal but still above the gm minimum standard I stated in my post about the manifold bolts that I already assumed the obvious about the bolts deterioration and vibration I was looking for any of the aliens landed in my motor and tried to give it an anal probe and damaged that bolt on the way out scenarios

Now that all of that is behind us I just want to appologize to any and everyone I have affended I have a shitty mouth and cuss too much I went to votcech in goodland ks and used to be a pretty good mechanic I am 33 years old and am in the begining stages of dementia and Alzheimer's and I can remember things I said yesterday so I depend on people like the great people of this website for your help that's where my piss poor attitude comes from i am sorry I appreciate each and every comment I get have a great day