broken cylinder head stud

[Robert Leigh]

Hi all

putting the engine back together and whilst putting new cylinder head studs in.....one stud snapped flush with the block (stud between no 2 and 3 cylinder). I was trying to put car back together for Cotswold trial. Would it be a wise move to run the car minus one stud. Or is this considered to risky? 

thanks for nay help 

ollie cox

Too risky. You'll blow the gasket and have a wasted day!

You really need to get the stud out and replace it. If the engine is in the car it's awkward but doable with careful drilling the centre of the stud  and progressively using bigger drills (new, good quality drill bits). When it's almost to the root diameter of the thread I then fold the stud in using a small, sharp centre punch.



Charles

To start with a good centre for drilling put the head in place on the studs and choose a drill which is the best fit in the hole of the broken stud, then start drilling into the broken stud just a very little. Take the head off and you will have a good centre in the broken stud from which to start the proper drilling out. You may prefer to put the head back after checking that the start is central, because the head can provide a useful indication that you are keeping the drill vertical.