David,
I had a top end rebuilt done early this year. One of things I
had replaced was the cylinder head studs as a preventative.
The old ones still looked ok, but I had them replaced anyway.
I found out from the porsche mechanic that I hired to
do the job that there is a bolt extractor specialist where I live.
16 head studs oem at a total of around $240.
Plus $150 for the professional bolt extractor specialist
to remove the old studs and install the new ones. Ouch.
But no regrets so far.
I ordered new oem replacement studs, because apparently they
are supposed to be improved over the old ones, and don't
fatigue as the engine goes through its heat cycles.
The new studs did look very shiny like stainless steel, but I don't
know if they actually are. I was advised not to get aftermarket studs,
since they might be too rigid.
I've put 20,000 miles on the engine since, and she purrs like a kitten.
No leaks, and very good compression.
Harald
'90 westy
----------
> From: David <dubnut@TODAY.COM.AU>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Stainless Steel Head Studs
> Date: Sunday, December 10, 2000 5:02 PM
>
> A mechanically inclined freind of mine has suggested to me that I should
investigate replacing my head studs with stainless ones. I had the engine
rebuilt 15,000 km ago and he reckons it will prevent the studs going bad
again. What is the thoughts of any one out there in List Land?
>
>
>  David
>  1990 Caravelle
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