Brittle block

Post by **Sidney'61** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 10:58 pm

I've found that my engine block seems to be quite brittle.
I snapped one of the bolts off holding the manifold on when I turned it lightly too far, also I recently snapped one of the thermostat housing bolds when trying to undo it

Is WD40 the only answer? Or is there anything else that can be done to help stop me breaking things?!

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 11:18 pm

They're not bolts, they're studs, so can be replaceed. As for "anything else that can be done", I think a time machine is the only answer

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 11:27 pm

WD 40 is NOT a releasing oil - for that you need to get something like Plus Gas -etc. The studs are decent steel - but goodness knows what abuse they have had in the past. Thermostat studs are always a problem - the cover is aluminium and a reaction between the alloy and the stud 'welds' them together. Only hope is to dribble release oil down the stud over a number of days - and very possibly heat from a gas blow torch may be needed. Indeed - it's sometimes necessary to smash the alloy cover to get at the studs to wind them out of the block. New studs and cover then required of course. To prevent it happening again - run a drill bit through the cover holes enlarging them slightly - and cover the studs with grease on assembly.

Post by **PSL184** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 12:03 am

Ah yes.... The exhuberance of youth

Less haste = more speed....
Just teasing mate, but, first rule of dismantleing is to soak everything in duck oil for at least a year !!!! or maybe a few days at least....

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:49 am

Thermostat housing studs - expect to replace them unless they've been replaced less than 2 years previously.

Maninfold studs - these can break if someone has used steel nuts (especially if overtightened). If the nut seizes to the stud and the stud seizes to the block then it's likely to strain the stud at a weak point - typically at the end of the thread. Otherwise it can be just old age.