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Old 07-05-2019, 05:49 PM   #1
Duganw
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Default Help removing a stripped head bolt

About a month ago I installed a new cylinder head gasket on a ‘28 Phaeton. Torqued all head bolts down per the recommended procedure with no issues after a few short rides. Today I noticed a small amount of coolant seeping through the threads of the rear center bolt. Got my torque wrench out to see what was going on and found the threads are stripped on that bolt, won’t tighten and won’t remove, just turns. This I weird since I’m positive that bolt was torqued to an eventual 55# with no issue. So far the head gasket is still good but I’m stumped on how to remove the bolt and install a new one.
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Old 07-05-2019, 06:00 PM   #2
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

Which thread is stripped - the one in the block or the one at the top of the stud?
Does the stud turn when you turn the nut? If so, it is the one in the block that is stripped.
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Old 07-05-2019, 06:44 PM   #3
Duganw
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

Appears to be just the nut stripped, the stud does not turn.
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Old 07-05-2019, 07:31 PM   #4
The Master Cylinder
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

You may have to try a Nut Spitter. Then check the threads on the stud closely before installing a new nut.

Snyder's has Grade 8 head nuts and Chrome Moly studs.
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Old 07-05-2019, 07:42 PM   #5
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

Be good idea to drain coolant before removing nut ... You do not want coolant in oil pan.

Actually drain now before coolant leaks into oil pan from loose nut.
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Old 07-05-2019, 07:42 PM   #6
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

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Several years ago I bought a set of head nuts from a local Ford parts supplier (no longer in business). As I got to the required torque the nuts just kept turning. He probably got the nuts from Home Depot. If your nuts were all from the same batch I think I would replace all of them.

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Old 07-05-2019, 08:14 PM   #7
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

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Originally Posted by Duganw View Post
Appears to be just the nut stripped, the stud does not turn.
That's good news. If it were stripped in the block, I would have fixed it by inserting a helicoil. That means head off and since it is right at the back of the block, access may be too restricted so it might have meant engine out of the car. If you can remove the stud without removing the head, it is an easy fix - just put in a new stud.
If you are having trouble removing the stud, you might consider welding the nut to the stud, then turning it out while hoping like heck that it doesn't break. An inspection of the stripped thread once you get it out will tell you if it is the thread on the stud or in the nut that is gone. If the nut, I'd do as suggested and replace them all, if the stud, I'd consider doing the same, depending on how lucky you are feeling. (Shades of Clint Eastwood!!)
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Old 07-05-2019, 10:06 PM   #8
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

Agree with 909. Once the set/seal is broken on the gasket, any gasket, it is nearly impossible to get it back right. Start from scratch and do it right. And as said, drain coolant Now. If only fluid is leaking I would take the chance and not replace the head gasket.
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Old 07-05-2019, 10:19 PM   #9
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

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Agree with 909. Once the set/seal is broken on the gasket, any gasket, it is nearly impossible to get it back right. Start from scratch and do it right. And as said, drain coolant Now. If only fluid is leaking I would take the chance and not replace the head gasket.
Loosening only one stud will not affect the head gasket. I had a stud strip in the block but didn't back then, have the helicoils to fix it. I left it loose and drove 25 miles to a friend's place where I fixed it, retorqued the stud and drove on. No trouble since.
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Old 07-05-2019, 10:47 PM   #10
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

Thanks this is all good advice, have drained the radiator and will see if I can get the stud out.
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Old 07-06-2019, 07:46 AM   #11
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

Instead of pulling the stud, get the nut off FIRST and inspect the threads ! ! If you get lucky you might just need a nut. JMO
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Old 07-06-2019, 04:36 PM   #12
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

Use a small cutting wheel or dremel and try to carefully split the nut off before pulling head,rethread and try another nut.
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Old 07-06-2019, 05:49 PM   #13
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Default Re: Help removing a stripped head bolt

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Use a small cutting wheel or dremel and try to carefully split the nut off before pulling head,rethread and try another nut.
Yes, use a Dremel with a cutting wheel and cut slices from front and back, not the sides. The nut will look like a D after you cut the first side off just close to the threads. Then cut the other side and use a loose vice grip to remove the nut. If you are lucky it will split.
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