Hi all. Please bear with me. I'm new to the Chevelle world (and I'm no gearhead). Bought a 71 (350 engine rebuilt 4 years ago) two days ago and now I have my first issue. There's a coolant leak leaving coolant on top of the intake manifold. Oil seems clean. Coolant doesn't appear low, but when the car is running, there's definitely coolant puddling up. Does this seem minor, replacing the gasket on the coolant inlet? Or is this a bigger issue and I've been taken for a ride?

Can't a girl just find a fun hot rod to sport this summer??

I had this problem. It was coming from the water neck gasket on top of the intake.put in a new gasket, still leaked. I ten installed a new gasket and used a little black RTV. problem solved. Make sure you get the gasket surfaces clean. Scott.

Sounds like the the thermostat housing gasket is leaking, or housing bolts loose. . Or maybe the radiator hose at the same housing is loose or rotted. Or maybe the Temperature gauge sending unit IF on manifold is seaping. Or could be loose manifold bolts

Any tricks I should know? Required torque? Can I get the gasket anywhere?

I got a chrome water neck. I know, people hate them. They ARE made out of pot metal after all. But they have an o-ring seal that has worked much better than that paper gasket they sell you. AND it's reusable.

Pep Boys, Autozone, etc...While your there pick up a Service Manual on your year car or engine

I've ordered Owner's Manuals and Mechanic's Manuals. In the meantime, where can I find a schematic so I know what I'm looking at/for. I'm a bright girl, but this car stuff is new to me.

Ill second the the chrome water neck with the o-ring. might as we'll replace the thermostat (180) while your at it.... I just hand tighten mine haven't had any problems yet.

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3838/img00041sp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Heres your schematic. The radiator hose is connected to that water neck or thermostat housing. 2 bolts hold oit down. See if they are loose. If tight, and leaking from the gasket you'll have to drain coolant and remove the housing to replace gasket. By the way, my water neck is of the aluminum type with O-ring, no gasket

Nice picture sport.

It called a Schematic, for the Chick