I'm removing the head soon to replace the head gasket, curious as to if i have to replace the head studs as well. Its not a cost cutting thing but it would set me back weeks for delivery and i dont want to wait to replace it if i dont have to. Would you say replacing the studs is a.) Vital, b.) Recommended or c.) depends on its current condition?

 

C.


If they're not obviously compromised by corrosion, leave 'em alone

Cheers
DD

 

Same here -- I have the head off at the moment . Took 3 weeks to get off, 2 x 4 ton jacks, 2 x 10 ton port a power rams, and an engine hoist!!

If they are fine and not corroded leave them be. They are good quality, tend not to stretch. Give them a clean up , maybe some copper-eze or similar so they wont bind up as easily for next years gasket replacement.

have fun

 

Next years gasket replacement? Oh dont tell me this is an annual thing

Hah but mine will be a sunday driver/social outing car. My BMW E30 is my daily. That may help.

 

The only caveat I would say to this, is that the really bad corrosion occurs where you can't see the stud, as these go all the way through the water jacket into the bottom of the block, and it is corrosion where the studs pass through the water jacket that is the problem. You could try taking one out for inspection. Much depends on whether previous owners have carried out coolant anti-freeze changes at the right intervals. It is the corrosion inhibitors in anti-freeze that stops the studs corroding, but these gradually degrade over time, this is why the manufacturers advise of a service life for anti-freeze.

So in terms of your question, I go for (c), but make sure you look very carefully. Some of the studs don't corrode much, because they screw into the top of the block.

If you can get one of these inspection probes, you can look via the coolant ports on the top deck of the block.