Exhaust head stud question, and I got lucky!!

[jibmaster1]

I am removing the exhaust manifold to replace two severely leaking oil return tubes; however, when I went to remove the nuts two of the studs 'unthreaded' with the nut! None however broke which was a relief! Should I buy new studs or is it OK to reuse the old? The threads were good on inspection.
I'm assuming I should anti-seize the threads as well, and use the 'two nut method' to install the studs? Also, cylinder #2 exhaust valve looked a little 'blackened' compared to cylinders #1 and #3 which were a nice grey light color. Is it OK to get a small wire wheel in there and clean it up a bit? I think I got to the valves in time because most were a little on the tight side. Thanks for any answers in advance. This is my first 911 and I just love working on it! It's a piece of cake compared to a 6MT allroad I own as my daily!

[timmy2]

Don't use a wire wheel you could hit the valve stem and gouge it causing future trouble. Best to leave it alone.

If it really bugs you, spray some carbon cleaner in there and let it run out. It will be the same as before you cleaned it after a few miles anyways.
A good hot high rpm run will clean it just as efficiently.
Remember the old "burn the carbon off" expression?

If the studs are good, anti-seize and double nut them back in.

[jibmaster1]

Perfect! That sounds like a much better option to get that valve clean lol! Cheers.

[slow&rusty]

I never reuse exhaust studs, buy a new set from ARP. These fasteners live a tough life, extreme heat cycling and close to road with lots of debris and weather on them. For just over $125 you can have a new set that does not need to be double nutted to be installed and is the highest quality.
And please do not wirewheel your valves!
Yasin

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

I never reuse exhaust studs, buy a new set from ARP. These fasteners live a tough life, extreme heat cycling and close to road with lots of debris and weather on them. For just over $125 you can have a new set that does not need to be double nutted to be installed and is the highest quality.
And please do not wirewheel your valves!
Yasin

Agreed. Fasteners are cheap to replace but can make your life very difficult if you cheap out.