The Head Studs From Hell......

[efhughes3]

Originally posted by ChrisBennet
I've been heating the stud at the stud to case juncture and twisting them out after a minute using a MAPP gas torch. I've been doing this for years without any problems but I only deal with Aluminum cases.
-Chris

Chris: To you mean directly around the joint where the stud enters the case (where one would spray PB Blaster to penetrate a stuck bolt) ?

[914efi]

I welded nuts on them with a MIG, the heat from welding loosens the loctite. On the long ones that I could grab, I just put a bead near the case as a heat source.

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by efhughes3
Chris: To you mean directly around the joint where the stud enters the case (where one would spray PB Blaster to penetrate a stuck bolt) ?

Yes.

[Jeff Alton]

You are trying to melt the thread locker, not just heat and expand the hole the stud is in. That is why what Chris says makes sense and works.

Cheers

[efhughes3]

Just tried Chris' method on one of the studs-it worked like a charm with my not-so-expensive stud puller. It's one of the ones that looks like a sparkplug socket and has three "fingers" that grip the stud. I'll pull the rest tomorrow.

I actually focused the flame on the stud about 1/2" from where it enters the case, then gave it a test turn which didn't require much torque at all. I'll tell you what, it also avoids the squeamish feeling I'm sure I'd get if I was heating the case directly.

[john walker's workshop]

some will certainly come out that way. some.

[efhughes3]

Please don't put the jinx on me!!

[JeremyD]

I used chris' method. Looking back on it - the longer the breaker the bar - the better. #2 have someone heat while you twist. deliberate movements allow clean removal - impact or jerking breaks studs.

If you break one - cover your case with sraran wrap. Take the 2" of left over stud (or whatever you have left) and dremel a square on the end of the studs. Then find the biggest pair of vice grips, clamp down - heat and turn!

[efhughes3]

All studs out!! Chris' method was painless.....maybe an hour?