leaking from head bolt hole

[CRAIG LEWIS]

Ok this may be a silly question, I had to remove the right side head bolt second from the rear, lower bolt when I began to loosen the bolt after it got about 5 turns it began leaking coolant. when the bolt was fully removed it gushed out. Is this bolt hole open to the cooling flow and this is normal or is it possible It broke through the wall into the water jacket area? 1947 346 flathead. The flow was too much to just be a leak in the head gasket. When the bolt is fully seated and tight no leaking or sign of trouble. Engine seems to run fine. No water in oil system or manifold so I don't think the system is leaking.

[TJ Hopland]

I dont know that engine specifically but its not uncommon to have bolt holes that go into the cooling areas.  Usually the service manual will note that the ones that do that require an additional sealant.    This head bolt must attach some accessory bracket so that is why you were removing it? 

[Bob Schuman]

Craig,
On the 1937-1948 flathead V-8 ALL of the head bolt holes go into the water jacket, so what you experienced is normal. A non-hardening sealer(I like Permatex #2) on the bolt heads will prevent leaks. If yours is not leaking, I suggest you leave it as is, and do not remove it again just to apply thread sealer.
Bob Schuman,CLC#254