"Re-using" previously torqued head studs

[SoCalCoupe]

I'm in the middle of changing heads on my '41 flathead and am replacing the bottom two rows with longer ones, bolts actually. Now that the bottom two rows are off, the heads go on and off pretty easily without interference.


What are your thoughts on just keeping the top rows of long studs in place and reusing them to avoid the aggravation of removing studs? I know with more modern engines, studs are pretty 'special' and the recommendation is not to reuse a head stud that's already been torqued once.


What about flatheads? Does the same concern exist? Should head studs not be re-used once they've torqued?

[marko39]

Head studs have been reused over and over as long as they are not stretched, deformed or rusted badly. If you already have removed them it’s fine to replace with new ones but if they are still in and not visibly compromised I personally would not take a chance of breaking some off trying to remove. Just my 2cents.

[Zeke3]

I vote for reusing the long studs if they are in good shape. You always run the risk of breaking a stud when you attempt to remove them.

[SoCalCoupe]

Originally Posted by marko39

Head studs have been reused over and over as long as they are not stretched, deformed or rusted badly. If you already have removed them it’s fine to replace with new ones but if they are still in and not visibly compromised I personally would not take a chance of breaking some off trying to remove. Just my 2cents.

Originally Posted by Zeke3

I vote for reusing the long studs if they are in good shape. You always run the risk of breaking a stud when you attempt to remove them.

At the risk of selective listening, you're telling me what I want to hear. But: no one has volunteered a different opinion.

[cadillac512]

The studs used on the flatheads are completely different than the "torque to yield" design bolts/studs on modern engines. Our old studs are intended to be reused as long as they are undamaged. New stuff is designed to stretch beyond reuse spec once tightened and are intended to be replaced each use.


Terry

[fortyonerag]

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Contemplating a similar problem for an engine that's going in my 41.


The only concern I have about leaving studs in place is its more fiddly to get a clean surface for the head gasket.

[rich b]

Originally Posted by fortyonerag

Contemplating a similar problem for an engine that's going in my 41.


The only concern I have about leaving studs in place is its more fiddly to get a clean surface for the head gasket.

Based on past experience; I would rather clean around studs than remove studs.

[Bored&Stroked]

I would not have a problem using the original studs - especially in a street engine. The hardest part is the cleaning of the deck surface. On the bolts, make sure you use a really good thread sealer.

Personally, I think it will look a bit strange to have 1/2 studs and 1/2 bolts - but that is just me. Also, I like to torque head fasteners on the fine-threaded ends of studs - one just gets smoother readings and more reliable torque figures.

But again - this isn't a supercharged race engine - so you'll probably be fine.

[RKS.PA]

Brad, if you don't like the looks of the nut and bolt head combination, you can always dress them up with chrome acorn covers!!!...(I've always felt they make the engine run better anyway!!)