Head Bolt Studs

JimTravis

JimTravis

Member
I have just removed the head from my '29 Tudor due to water in my oil thinking that I must have a bad head gasket. About half the studs came out of the block in the process. Before reassembly, should I get the bolts off the studs that came out and lock-tite the studs in the head. It seems to me the studs should be secured into the block. Your input would be appriciated.

Thanks
Jim
 
NO do not locktite the studs, Instead use the opposite, Gold or Silver Anti Size... YOU do NOT want them in their permanent. Remove the bolts, clean all very good and place the studs back in, head gasket, head and tighten all down and torque.
 
msmaron is right, the studs need to be all the way in but not torqued. Remove all nuts and clean them and the stud before re-installing the head. Be thankful that they came out, most are rusted in and get broken when trying to remove them. Do use anti-seize!
 
also you might want to re-tap the holes just to make sure all is okay and you dont need to install a heli-coil
mark
 
Just don't re-tap them with a tap you get at the hardware store unless you want real loosy-goosy studs.
 
Thanks guys - I'm not framilier with the anti-seize product, but I will try the local auto supply store. I think the threads are all OK, so I won't worry about re-tapping.

Am I correct in thinking the most probable cause of the water in the oil is a result of a leaking head gasget?

Jim
 
That is most likely the cause or a cracked block....YIKES... Yes make sure you get anti seize available at any parts store, use a small amount. Good luck and get the correct gasket...very important
 
It's a bit late, but it's always a good idea to take a compression test prior to disassembly to determine which cylinder or cylinders to focus on.

Study the head gasket as well as the mating surfaces for signs of leakage. If there are none then it's likely something else. If there are signs then the head may be warped. Also see that the gasket you removed is correct for the head by seeing how the combustion chambers match the gasket.

If the engine had been overheated then the block may actually be cracked. My experience is limited but what I've seen is cracks running from the intake valve seat to the cylinder. Since you don't know what cylinders are the problem you may need to clean and check the area on all four cylinders.
 
I would have the head checked for flatness, it could be warped. It is always good to have the head milled when removed, if for no other reason but to clean the surface and give a good finish for the head gasket to seal. I would look close in the area around the exhaust valves for minute cracks. in worse cases a crack can run all the way from the valve seat to the cylinder.
 
I wouldn't shave the head unless it is warped. There is a limit of how much can be removed from the head.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top