Removing stock flathead heads

Hotrodvideo

Hotrodvideo

Senior Member
I'm replacing the stock 24 studs heads with some new Edelbrock block letter heads.

Since I have to replace the studs anyway, could I just weld the nuts to the studs and take them both out at the same time and then the heads would come right off?

The only thing I could think of is that I could break a stud since the torque on the studs is way up at the top and not near the threads in the block but the engine is a pretty fresh rebuild.

Has anyone done this?
 
I would about that much heat on the studs. When the metal gets hot it will expand and possibly REALLY stick the studs. Just my $.02
 
Hotrodvideo said:
I'm replacing the stock 24 studs heads with some new Edelbrock block letter heads.

Since I have to replace the studs anyway, could I just weld the nuts to the studs and take them both out at the same time and then the heads would come right off?

The only thing I could think of is that I could break a stud since the torque on the studs is way up at the top and not near the threads in the block but the engine is a pretty fresh rebuild.

Has anyone done this?
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Take the heads off first, then work on each individual stud. You will be able to see what's happening much easier!!

You can "double-nut" the studs and work on them. Sometimes a sharp "wrap" on the tops will shock them loose. Just don't hit on the threads, hit on a "double-nut" and squarely as possible.

I would assume on a somewhat fresh build that the studs would have, or at least should have, been recently installed anyway. This is part of any decent build, R&R the studs and reseal all!

(Add) Good luck on the "fit" between the Edelbrock's holes and the studs, very "sloppy" to say the least. Been there very recently. We now "dowel-pin" the heads on all Flatheads, like the SBC's, with some 5/16" pins. Keeps the heads stable and extends gasket life.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. There is a tool to remove the studs also, uses a collet setup, from Snap-On that's designed for this procedure.
 
I had trouble getting my stock heads off, they were really stuck. I tried the stud removal tool which worked for a few, but most didn't have enough exposed thread to double nut or to grip with a stud remover.

I cranked my wire feed welder up to max and welded nuts on, got them all out with no problem and didn't destroy my stock heads which I wanted to reuse.
 
(Add) Good luck on the "fit" between the Edelbrock's holes and the studs, very "sloppy" to say the least. Been there very recently. We now "dowel-pin" the heads on all Flatheads, like the SBC's, with some 5/16" pins. Keeps the heads stable and extends gasket life.
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Would bolts work better when putting the Edelbrock heads on instead of the studs in this case? At least there is a little wiggle room that way.
 
I have removed many sets of heads and studs exactly as you described. Just weld the nut to the stud and allow to cool then put the 1/2" air impact gun to them. Some might break but most will come right out. Those that break can be dealt with using the welding technique after the heads are pulled off.
 
JWL, You're gonna air impact wet studs right on out? Drag all that rust crud through the cast iron threads? Worry about the threads later, I guess.
 
try to remove the heads and leave the studs alone if they aren't damaged. thats my advice, done a lot of these and most of the time the studs aren't a problem if left in the block. if the engine will turn over just loosen all the nuts a bit and turn it over and the compression sometimes breaks the head loose from the deck. if not, get out a few wedges or whatever and carefully knock them in and lever the head off. it shouldn't be that big a deal. jmho.
 
Used studs are stretched and won't indicate an accurate torque. They need to be removed anyway if the block needs to be refaced.
 
I'm switching to aluminum heads, that's the reason why I need to remove the studs, they are not long enough for high compression heads.
 
I got the studs out & the heads off. Now, I know eveyone has a different opinion on this but should I use studs or bolts with the Edelbrock heads & should I use copper or fiber gaskets??
 
Matter of preference, I personally think studs with CAD nuts look great. Bolts look funky on aluminum heads. You can go either way, and use Chrome nut covers.....
 
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