I keep a long and a short new stud for comparison sake, works for me. I don't have a vernier or micrometer to measure the length, and I don't think a yard stick would be very accurate. Maybe one could come up with a go-no go guage fairly easy...
Jeff.

----- Original Message -----
From: Zoltan <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 2:47 pm
Subject: Re: My 2 cents on head leaks. Old hash I'm sure...

> I remember, we had to measure the diameter of the stretch bolts on the
> Mercedes to determine if they are still good to reuse.  Would the same
> process be available here?  To measure the diameter or the lenght.
> I never
> seen this mentioned in the Bentley.
> Zoltan
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dennis Haynes" <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 5:10 AM
> Subject: Re: My 2 cents on head leaks. Old hash I'm sure...
>
>
> >I have mentioned the studs on many occasions. Anytime you have
> internal>head gaskets leaks, the initial cause was the stud failing
> to hold the
> >heads down under load. To simply replace gaskets or heads without
> >addressing the stud failure is just asking for a repeat. The nuts
> should>always be replaced and new studs should be considered. Not
> only can they
> >corrode and break from stresses they are designed to act as
> springs. And
> >like a pen spring, once it is over extended they will not return
> to their
> >original state. Proper lubrication of the threads and a suitable
> sealant on
> >the nut flange is important to obtaining the proper pre-load.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Jeff Hogue
> > Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 7:49 am
> > Subject: My 2 cents on head leaks. Old hash I'm sure...
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >
> >> I too have rebuilt/resealed many (maybe hundreds) of boxer
> >> engines over the past 23 years. I don't hear any talk about the
> >> head studs being stretched. The heads are held to the block with
> >> very little torque, and the hardware integrity is very
> >> important. Just compare a new stud with a previously used one,
> >> maybe on that has been torqued 2, 3, 4 or more times and it's
> >> obvious that they do stretch. Also, sealer on these head gaskets
> >> is very important, I use perm-a-tex ultra grey and have never
> >> had a problem. Ever. But be very careful not to use too much.
> >> This is not a case of lot is good, more is better and too much
> >> is just right, like my fathers view on horsepower. On the top of
> >> the block I use the same ultra grey. Be absolutely certain to
> >> clean, clean, clean the sealing surfaces, use alcohol base
> >> cleaner or something that won't leave a residue.
> >>
> >> I'm sure this has been bounced around plenty, so forgive me for
> >> the broken record... That's my 2 cents on the leking head gasket
> >> talk that seams to haunt the list.
> >> Jeff Hogue
> >> 84 Westy
> >> 87 Syncro Doka
> >> 8? Iltis Diesel
> >> 03 Jetta TDi Wagon
> >> 90 son
> >> 94 daughter
> >> 62 wife.....
> >>
> >
> >
> > --
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> > Version: 7.1.411 / Virus Database: 268.17.37/682 - Release Date:
> > 2007.02.12.
> >
> >
>