Morris Minor Owners Club

I've just got round to changing the cylinder head gasket on Barney, our 1275 Headed Traveller. I've been quite ill for a while so am just back able to do Mechanics! 2 studs have unwound from the engine block (maybe thats why the Head Gasket blew??) So I need new ones I assume? Put in using Loctite and a locking nut to seat? I didn't change the head, but is loose block studs a common problem with this Mod?

why would you need new ones just screw the old one back in,fully,then when the head is tightened it holds the studs,unless they have stripped the threads,or worse still the threads in the block Quite common to unscrew them if the nut is stuck to the stud.

Loose cylinder head studs are NO problem at all. Cylinder head studs come loose all the time especially when undoing the cylinder head nuts. Muck gets between the cylinder head nut and the head stud fine thread and creates more resistance than is required to retain the stud in the block. Just clean around the stud hole; wire brush the fine threads of the stud and put the stud back into the block; fit two head nuts to the stud and lock them up against each other. Tighten the stud in the block, undo the head nuts and remove. Locktite or similar is not required. It is more important to clean the top of the block (best done with all the studs removed) and cylinder head gasket face. So long as the stud was holding the required torque it would not impact on the cylinder head gasket but it is always best to have the stud screwed fully home.

You should check that the block thread has not been 'pulled up' slightly by the stud. A good idea to lightly countersink the stud holes. I agree - don't use Loctite or any other sealant.

Its good practice when a stud unscrews (in all areas of engineering/maintenance) to remove the nut from the stud, put the stud back in and tighten on the nut. (i.e. not using the stud as a bolt!)

Thanks for the replies, the stud furthest from the front,of 5, is one which has come loose. It has no exposed thread to lock a nut on to, and the fine threads below the nut look stripped/flat. I have a Mini supplier near me, would a Mini head stud be a direct swap? I hope so as £2.50 is what a new one costs via Bully, but a minimum £5 postage makes it expensive for a stud and nut!!

If you are doubting the state of the stud then yes change it,just take it with you and compare but would think its the same,BMC will be along soon to confirm.

Oddbod,

Do you have a picture so that we can see more what the problem is?

Mini studs are basically the same - except that the Minor engine should have a longer stud there - to take the engine steady bar. Many do not.