I am not so sure about just how much of a problem this
stretching stud idea is.   First of all when does all
this stretching occur.   I think it is a bit of a
stretch to say that the stud acts like a spring.
I think the stretch occurs when you torque the head
down or perhaps when you over torque.   I agree it is
a good idea to replace studs and nuts when the threads
look suspect or perhaps with a major rebuild but for a
simple head leak, keep it simple.   If it leaks again
it is more likely to be caused by poor installation
than stretching studs.  Gary

Date:    Tue, 13 Feb 2007 13:10:35 +0000
From:    Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
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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