I'm in the process of partially rebuilding my '84 GL's engine with 185k on it (partial cause I'm not splitting the case). 3 or 4 of the head studs have some pitting. Does anyone have recommendations on replacing them? If they should be replaced, is there anything I should know before I start fooling with them, like special procedures to remove them etc.?

I'm replacing the heads due to corrosion and cracks, but I did get 180k before any major leak problems showed up. This is a van that's been driven very hard for 14 years (95-100mph for extended periods, hard city driving, logging/fire trails in Canada, etc.) and the only major problem area for me has been transaxles (I'm on my third).

As I've torn down the engine, I've been measuring the parts for wear. Every moving part I've checked has been *well* within the tolerances listed in the manual. I feel a lot of credit has to go to the Mobil One oil I've been using for the last 13 years. Oil usage is negligible. I change the stuff every year or so, or around 25,000 miles. The filter gets changed at every 6k. I've been using Mobil One since around 1973, and I've never had any vehicle burn oil. This is the first real confirmation I've had though that it really does work well. I hope someone else out can benefit from my experience with it.

Cliff Ober

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