Exhaust head studs replacement

1-2clutch-u

Member
Feb 18, 2006
379
0
16
chi town and ohio
Hi all, My Exhaust manifold Head studs pulled out and the threads were garbage. I know this has happens to a few people. When I did the head gasket about 3 months ago I chased the threads good but as you know they did not hold up. The common thing is to go with a bigger size and that's what I wanted to do. I found the 7/16 kit from a sm. vendor. But I wanted to get It done asap and not pay $90 for a kit that cost far less. (not knocking anybody for the hustle) Below I have pics, part #'s and prices and even a vid.
Helicoil kit with tap and tool and 6 coils # BK 7703047 from napa $20
29/64th drill bit. I got mine in a kit from home depot for $30 (returned the kit later on) :naughty: you can get one online for $6-$10.
Studs from ace hardware (its like a home depot or lowes but has great selection of nuts and bolts) $7 bec I went with bolts not studs. studs were not too much more but sizing gets kinda iffy as they were too long for how I wanted it.
The important thing is that you have tap holders and a drill and some cutting oil or lube. I had all the things here so I didnt want to buy the full kit the vendor offers.
A 90 DEG DRILL MAKES THIS SOOO EZ. A typical drill is OK for most of the holes but at times it can get a bit tight for space and hard to get center on the hole. I Had one. dewalt was cheep last year for black fri sale at lowes.
If you have any questions pm or email me. I haven't started my car yet as I'm doing some vac hose work too, but with in the next day I will have ran it. Hope for no leaks right!!!
Now for the pics
This is what my gasket looked like
p1875465_1.jpg

This is one of my old studs that backed off.
p1875465_2.jpg

Drill bit
p1875465_3.jpg

The tap. I marked it black so I knew were to stop taping. you Can feel it DONT FORCE IT!!!
p1875465_4.jpg

Helicoil kit 7/16-14 that's a coarse thread.
p1875465_5.jpg

Part#
p1875465_6.jpg

Helicoil inserts
p1875465_7.jpg

Make sure you break the tang off once its in all the way.
p1875465_8.jpg

The insert tool.
p1875465_9.jpg

What it should look like...when done right.
p1875465_10.jpg

p1875465_11.jpg

The vid.
 

NashMan

WTF did he just wright ?
Aug 5, 2005
4,940
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Victoria BC
I just heilcoil the stock studs, but I have done this to my friends head. I find it pretty over kill and not needed


a simple yet easy way to drill the holes is with and air ratchet just find skocket that fit's the drill bit center then weld said bit to socket then bingo side ways drill
 

destrux

Active Member
May 19, 2010
1,183
10
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PA
There's a reason they use studs and not bolts. Bolts will loosen up. Better drill those bolt heads and safety wire them if you don't want that to happen.
 

te72

Classifieds Moderator
Staff member
Mar 26, 2006
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WHYoming
1-2clutch-u;1876003 said:
lotta good info. tech section?
I don't think we have a tech section for this sort of thing, but if the mods see fit, they could sticky it. You could always link it in your signature with a short description of what the thread contains. ;)

Feel like I was being dragged around by my feet in the video. :p

destrux;1876047 said:
There's a reason they use studs and not bolts. Bolts will loosen up. Better drill those bolt heads and safety wire them if you don't want that to happen.
I know it gets hot and all, but would Loctite red (#284? I forget) keep them from backing out?