Ouch! broken engine head studs stuck in block

[MarkyB]

Although a bit late for melanddoug these can be very handy for getting broken studs out;
http://www.tapdie.com/html/lefthand_drills.html

If you get lucky the heat and friction will wind the broken bit out, you do need a drill that will turn in reverse though.

[melanddoug]

Success!! er, I think.

I bought a tap of 3/8 UNC and re-established the thread in the block. I'ts loose, but I've just tested it to 42 lbs (checked on the torque wrench .. definitely lbs) and it's held. In desperation i also ordered a helicoil kit so if it strips in the future I still have a way forward.

Re the Stag engine: Ugh, Sounds like a nightmare. Unfortunately the reason I was reading about it is because I am that soldier.. I have a (lovely) Stag with a blown head gasket, so I'll be testing my newfound stud extraction skills on that too.

MarkyB - that means the link you posted may well end up being used ! ta.

Phew - that's this little hurdle jumped, hopefully.

Doug
ps
2 cars 2 blown head gaskets wihin a week. just call me 'lucky'.

[bmcecosse]

BIG hint with that Stag - start dribbling release oil down the studs NOW - and keep doing it twice per day until you are ready to tackle the job........

[melanddoug]

BIG hint with that Stag - start dribbling release oil down the studs NOW - and keep doing it twice per day until you are ready to tackle the job........

But that might get it dirty ..... mmmm shiny car ...

When the time comes I'm anticipating having to try every trick in the book (thanks for that tip), but hoping it won't be so bad because although the history is unknown, it seems to have been quite well sorted at some point in the fairly recent past, and almost certainly had a rebuild.

fingers crossed...

Doug

[bmcecosse]

Seriously - start dribbling now. Some TR7 folks actually make a a dam around each stud with plasticine - and fill that with Plus Gas - so it can dribble down more effectively. If you snap a stud - it's a HUGE nightmare - so do all you can to get them out without snapping........

[melanddoug]

Seriously - start dribbling now. Some TR7 folks actually make a a dam around each stud with plasticine - and fill that with Plus Gas - so it can dribble down more effectively. If you snap a stud - it's a HUGE nightmare - so do all you can to get them out without snapping........

That's a brilliant idea - can I take the opportunity to thank you again for all your excellent advice, which has probably saved me days of 'learning curve'- the friendliness and helpfulness of this forum and the people in it, particularly yourself, is one thing that makes owning a moggy all the more worthwhile.

(And I don't even know your name!)

Doug

[rayofleamington]

good advice for the stag - you beat me to it.
A friend of mine a a stag V8 guru , which is where I've heard the tips from.
If all goes complete #### with the rebuild, he's got a good block on original bores and/or good heads you can use as a donor.

he's a bit of a nutter though - he's part way throuigh making a 32 valve stag V8 with Dolly heads. Gear driving the cams worked out cheaper than custom chains and sprockets..
He's been waiting for the new galleries to be tig welded for over a year as a 'favour' but has ended up paying the favour back at least 3 times over and the guy still hasn't started on the heads

[melanddoug]

Just thought I'd let you know how the story with the Moggy's broken head studs ended-

I replaced all the head studs (just in case)- and tapped out the stud hole after drilling the broken stud out.

The head gasket was replaced, all back together and now it's back on the road and running ok.
Apart from the huge plumes of smoke from the exhaust, which is another matter.
Worn piston rings - I'll be looking into that as and when.

[melanddoug]

Next: The Stag! .. bartender, one pint of Plusgas please..

[mogbob]

Blu Tack ...if the kiddies' plasticine box is empty !!
Fingers crossed for you.
Bob

[xpress]

plasticine is a great idea. duly noted.