Replace two 3/8" head studs? Or not?

[Jack E/NJ]

Hi y'all

Long ago I acquired an old farm tractor rigged with a '48 motor. It currently has two 3/8" headstuds as quick 'drill&tap' replacements for broken-off originals. These two small-diameter studs are separated by one normal 7/16" stud located near the top of #1 cylinder. It's been running this way for years. I've had the head off&on several times in the past without issues, taking care to tork the 7/16" studs before the 3/8" studs.


So what's my problem? I'm in the midst of doing other work. So should I try to replace these two small-diameter studs now? Or should I just leave well-enough alone? This isn't a showpiece or something critical...just a workhorse around the property. The 3/8" x 16 'drill&tap' jobs seem to have left most of the 7/16" x 18 block threads intact. But I fear any procedures for removing or chasing the metal remains of the old studs from the block might destroy what's left of the block threads.

Opinions, suggestions etc would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jack E/NJ

[flatjack9]

If it's been working, I'd leave it.

[supereal]

Amen!

[alanwoodieman]

don't fix it if it isn't broke

[Mike B]

Just curious though, how are 3/8ths threaded into a 7/16h thread...has to be loose?

Why not be safe, use a 3/8th insert (if it'll work), and drill/tap the 7/16th for the 3/8th insert?

[Jack E/NJ]

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Mike B>>>Just curious though, how are 3/8ths threaded into a 7/16h thread...has to be loose?>>>


Nope. Because what remained of the old broken-off studs (after drilling&tapping them for 3/8") were still tightly stuck in the block threads. So, in effect, these stuck broken off studs were in fact ready-made inserts --- ready-made solid inserts. So they needed to be drilled out & tapped for the 3/8" studs.

Anyway, the smaller studs have always been more of a psychological than a physical issue for me. So I think I'll take the others advice and leave them alone for the time being. Unless somebody can suggest an easy way of removing the remnants of the old studs without opening up a can o worms by buggering up the block threads more than they already are.

Thanks guys! I think I feel better about leaving them alone for now. 8^)

Jack E/NJ

[Mike B]

I get ya Jack.

Ya, had me scratching my head for a bit.

What's the worse that can happen?...loose a bit off coolant, and then fix it.

BTW, I've good luck (not on FH's) by drilling slowly, lil grease on the bit...yeah, I know, and a helper with a shop vac..same with tapping-sans vacuum, just grease and clean, repeat...if you have to go down that road.

[Mart]

Sounds like a good farmer fix.

Don't fix what ain't broke.

Mart.