I just removed the intake manifold on my 454 big block. I noticed that there is a puddle of oil in the head in the opening just below the heat riser opening in the middle of the head.

Is this normal? I can't believe it is!

Any ideas on what could be causing this?

Thanks.

 

Here's a picture.

https://camaroforums.com/forum/attac...1&d=1357488633

 

You asked this question in another forum.
Yes, this normal if the manifold bolts are not tight and gasket is not crimped correctly as the bolt hole above is a thru-hole and the oil has seeped up the threads into the well.

 

^ Yeah that, but you definitely would have had seepage past the intake gasket for oil to get in there.
That's something only you would know now, by checking the old gasket mating surfaces when you took it apart.
Two words: thread sealant.

 

Everett,

Yes I did ask this question on another forum. Is that bad?

The bolt hole over where the oil has accumulated is not a through hole. The bolt hole to the side of the oil accumulation is a through hole.

Could oil have seeped up that bolt and travelled underneath the gasket to get to where it has accumulated?

 

No, it is just an observation, you can post/ask anywhere you like.
Yes, oil couls have seeped up and accumulated.

 

I hope this mystery is solved.