When my '84 was given to me back in '91, it came with a blown engine.
One of the head studs on that one had stretched to the point that I
could wiggle the capnut and it was screwed all the way down.

Mike

gary hradek wrote:
> 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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