Head Stud check during 84 Carrera PPI?

[newt]

Does anyone have any recommendations on including a check for broken head studs in a PPI for an 84 Carrera with 80k miles on it?

As Peter Zimmermann recommends, I'll ask the mechanic to fill me in on all the inspection results prior to doing the stud check. Then I’ll make the decision about going with the stud check. But I'm wondering what people think about the necessity of a head stud check for a 1984 with only 80k miles.

Also, do RoW or US cars on average have more tendency to have head stud problems?

[Jeff Alton]

It takes about 10mins so I am not sure why you would get the rest of the car checked but not the head studs......... Never hurts to have this done. All the shop has to do is remove the lower valve covers on both sides and take a look. Motors with this mileage commonly have valve guide wear as well......

Head stud breakage is more an age issue than I mileage issue I think as well.

Cheers, and good luck with you purchase. If you get it, post some pics on the technical forum to introduce your car to us!

Jeff

[newt]

catca,

Thanks for the post.

The PPI shop says that it would take an extra hour to do the head stud check. This was his overall quote (assuming that he would not stop early because he saw a major problem):
1.5 hour = $150 for basic stuff
1.0 hour = $100 for compression and leak down
1.0 hour = $100 for head stud check
total = 3.5 hours = $350

Does the time seem excessive for a 3.2 L engine? Maybe the difference between your estimate of 10 minutes and his estimate of 1.0 hr is the time to take off the upper valve covers too. Or can you see all the studs from the lower cover area?

[JBO]

That's a fair price, and cheap compared to what you would spend for a broken stud, which requires a tear down to repair.

[Jeff Alton]

Well, my 10 minute guess may have been a little optomoistic!! They do NOT need to look at the uppper row of studs, they are steel and will be fine. Even at 100 bucks it is money well spent, I just did a top end on a 3.2 and it was not cheap. I have a 3.0 on the stand right now for a customer who did not have the head studs checked prior to buying his car......... guess what I am doing to that motor?!?!?! It is good insurance to have them checked. My guess is they are fine but the pieve of mind is worth something too.... Also, 100 for a leakdown and compression test is a pretty good deal, so think of it as only maybe 65-75 to get the studs checked!

Jeff

[BReyes]

Yes it is a must. The Dilivar studs must be replaced ASAP.

Regards,

[newt]

JBO, catca, and BReyes,

Thanks for the posts!

[911pcars]

"Yes it is a must. The Dilivar studs must be replaced ASAP."

While some 911s have problems with broken head studs, this statement might be a little premature. The old saying, "if it ain't broke......" might be more appropriate. But keep an eye on it (same with the valve guides).

Sherwood