82 380 SL coolant leak after headgasket replacement

[rstarkie]

1982 380SL 138K

My winter project was replacing the head gaskets on my 380SL.

I was pleased to find that both heads were plane. I used an Elring gasket set.

After assembly the car started right up and all seemed right with the world. The car was not licensed or insured at the time so I tucked it back into storage.

Earlier this month I registered the car and did a few short shake down runs and did not notice any problems. Last week after a more spirited drive I pulled it into my workspace and shut it off. Ten minutes later when loosening the oil filter I notice a puddle of coolant on the floor.

I jacked the car up and put it on stands. I observed coolant dripping off of the lower starter bolt. A more careful examination (GO5 is not easy to see) revealed the coolant was running down the seam between the block and bellhousing before dripping off.

It does not seem to do this until after the pressure in the system rises because of the lack of circulation. I would say the rate is about one drop every 5 to 7 seconds.

I can not figure out where it is coming from. It is a very cramped area A friend with some experience suggested that there is a drain or weep hole from the area under the intake manifold that directs any coolant leak out the back and down the block.

I have removed the air cleaner assembly and can not find any loose connections on any of the hoses that might be suspect. A strong light looking down around the intake manifold does not reveal any coolant.

This is a new event and was not occurring prior to the head gasket replacement.

Anyone have any experience like this or have any suggestions on how to chase this problem?

Thanks for any input.

Randy