broken head stud

[kwc98]

I was removing my valve covers this morning and I found a broken head. I have read a lot of advice about what to do, how much and how. My question is: does it make a difference that the broken stud was an intake stud? (I think that is correct, it was under the upper valve cover)

thanks,
Ken

[Jadams1]

Wow, I didn't think the steel upper ones ever failed, just the bottom dilivar ones? Take a magnet to it, the dilivar studs are non-magnetic. As for your question, the consequences for not repairing a broken stud on the top row or bottom are the same.

[ChkbookMechanic]

There are a few ways of looking at it.

A broken head stud =
(1) rebuild now
(2) well, damn, hopefully another one won't fail on the same cylinder, cause then it is a rebuild.
(3) who cares not all of them are broken

As to which one you choose to follow it is up to you. If you decide to keep driving it with a single broken head stud I'd just be careful and check for leaks and make sure it doesn't get any worse. And also start planning a rebuild for when a second head stud on the same cylinder or engine breaks. There are people who have driven the car thousands of miles with a broken head studs and nothing bad has happened to them.. other than having to pay for an engine rebuild.

And as an answer to your question I don't know if I'd be more worried that it was an intake vs. exhaust stud. Personally (and this will probably get me crucified here) I wouldn't drop the engine, tear down and rebuild until another head stud broke. However, I'd be spending more time checking up on the engine for oil leaks or any sign that I should be moving the time to rebuild the engine up than I would without a broken head stud.

[Baz]

As long as you are not having any engine running issues, leaks, or hissing sounds - especially noticeable after she warms up - you can keep driving it no problem.

I had "5" broken exhaust studs on my '81SC and could still drive it! Talk about durability of the 3.0!

If I were you though, I would start making plans for a repair down the road when it's convenient - if there is such a thing.

[kwc98]

it is not magentic. I already have the engine out for various reasons, oil leaks being one of them. I would not be too afraid to replace all of the studs, but I think I am going to go ahead and do the work I was planning on, button it back up and see how she goes. The engine is running quite strong.