ARP Head Studs Too LONG!!!!

[nosman4]

Anyone ever had this problem? I could understand seeing this problem with a head and block that has been machined, but this car hasn't had either and they are still too long. I am having the head machined so this makes me worry even more. There are about 5 threads sticking out of the block still after the stud is bottomed out. I cleaned the threads in the block with a tap so I know they are not just dirty. Is 5 threads normal? Also the threads in the block stop about a 1/4 inch or so from the bottom of the hole. I am re doing a metal headgasket for a friend and I suspect this is why it blew in less than 1000 miles..... In addition to not being machined the first time..... Am I the only one that has seen this problem? I called ARP to make sure the stud was the correct length and it is according to them... What do you guys think??

 

[cinderMK3]

Did you measure the depth of block holes then insert the stud. Then measure amount left on stud showing just to be safe? I know its re-dudent but just a double check.

 

[nosman4]

Yes I did, The depth of the hole is 1.1 inches or a little under. The length of thread on the stud is just under 1 inch, there is about .250 thou left to thread in. That means there is about .300-.350 thou in the bottom of the hole left unthreaded, which looks about right. This thing just doesn't thread all the way down to the base of the threads, just wondering if this is how everyones is? Or are the holes threaded differently on different blocks? I'm pretty sure this is a used Japanese motor if it makes any difference.

 

[GC89]

Did you clean out the holes in the block with a bottom tap before installing like the instructions say?

 

[hvyman]

normal. There always like that

 

[nosman4]

Did you clean out the holes in the block with a bottom tap before installing like the instructions say?

Did you read my post before responding? Anyways, I shortened the studs so that they sit flush with the block. This is the second set I have done this with and the 1st is holding up great. It just made me nervous when I measured everything and it was very close, plus I removed some off the head when surfacing, so I decided to give myself some room to breathe. Just not sure why ARP would make that much extra stud when it doesn't even screw down into the block. No reason for it....

 

[GC89]

^ Yes there is a difference between a standard tap intended for a nut and a bottom tap for holes like in the block. You stated that measuring proved they were not threading in all the way so obviously the threads are not clean and straight all the way down. Also did you put lube on the block side?

 

[SeeUSmile]

+1 with being normal. Built brothers motor and same thing still holding up.

 

[nosman4]

^ Yes there is a difference between a standard tap intended for a nut and a bottom tap for holes like in the block. You stated that measuring proved they were not threading in all the way so obviously the threads are not clean and straight all the way down. Also did you put lube on the block side?

Yes I used a bottoming tap. I have been working as an auto tech for 10+ years. The threads are clean. They were pretty much clean before I even started. I have not put lube on the studs yet as I am not ready to install them. The studs are threading all the way to the bottom of the threads in the holes. There are not threads for more than about 3/4 of an inch.... This is why they won't thread all the way down, not because the threads are not clean. Does your block have threads all the way to the bottom of the hole??? Anyways, I got the answer to my question. It sounds like it is normal for the studs to not thread all the way in. If the block was threaded all the way down they would thread in perfectly, that is why I suspect there are some blocks out there with threads all the way down... Otherwise why would ARP design the stud like this. Thanks guys.

 

[GC89]

Not questioning your knowledge or credentials, just a question. The 3 blocks I have done have all had varying but slight amounts of threads still showing but .250 seemed like more than I recall on any of them.

If they thread in easily and are reaching the bottoms of the threaded portion you should be good to go as others have said.

 

[jetjock]

Never had that problem but then again when I run a tap down there I go all the way to the bottom of the hole not to where the thread stops.

 

[nosman4]

Alright, Thanks Guys

 

[supraguy@aol]

I've personally never seen threads in any blocks' headbolt holes that DIDN'T have a bunch of crap in them.

 

[nosman4]

I've personally never seen threads in any blocks' headbolt holes that DIDN'T have a bunch of crap in them.

Ill take a picture for you if you want? If I can get one that is.....