Question on Head Stud Threads
 

I think I did a foolish thing this weekend. I used a 10Mx1.5 tap (Snap-on) to clean out the head stud threads of any old loctite that might still be in there before I install 12 replacement steel studs. The tap threaded in with only mild resistance and didn't appear to be removing any metal in the process (or I'd have stopped immediately), so I wasn't initially concerned. Afterward, I tried threading in one of the old Dilavar studs and it threads in with no resistance at all. :eek:

I'm sure the studs need to be a snug fit into the case and I'm angry at myself for doing this without checking after the first one (I know better)...:mad:

Have I screwed up (no pun intended ;))? Is this an acceptable condition, or is it a problem? Can I simply install the studs with fresh Loctite, or should I have threaded inserts installed? Is there any other compound (other than loctite) recommended for use to install the studs in this condition?

Btw, this is a '79 3.0 Alum case.

Thx, Mike

A little green loctite and everything will be fine.

regards

Oh by the way use a thread roller like in a Time-Sert kit (for installing the insert) or one you can by from Snap On for thread restoration,m It will not cut material out but rools it back into place and restores the original pitch.

I have the green loctite (hi Temp retaining compound 40), I guess all I need now is the thread roller. Thanks.

Mike :cool:

The thread roll tap is for next time, leave the case alone and assemble with the green Loctite that has bearing mount as a feature, high temp, etc.

regards

Don't worry about it. As long as the locktite keeps the stud from turning when you put on the headstud nuts you'll be fine.

-Andy

I seem to recall just seeing a comment that a thread cleaner could be made from an old exhaust stud simply by using something like a dremel tool and a cutting wheel to make a slice in the threads, I assume perpindicular. Should this be done with a new stud or an old one. Should the slice simply be that, a slice or should one side or the other be tapered a bit to hold the loctite or whatever is being cleaned out of the threads?

Thanks for the sanity check guys (racing97 & Eagledriver)

That makes sense to me, wish I'd heard of it, or thought of it before using the tap first. I'd guess a good used stud would work fine (I have plenty of used dilavars I no longer need). I suppose one or more vertical slices down the threads would reasonably clean out the old loctite for sure. Thx

Mike