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Hi,

I have come across a problem. I have installed the 'cut down' longer head studs, and thread sealed with Loctite 243, plonked the K series head on, and tightened the ARP bolts with their fairly chunky washers to 40ft/lbs.

However there is obviously an error in my measurements, as one of the studs is touching the camshaft, whereas the other, the ARP bolt is touching the camshaft.

I know what I basically have to do, but my question is: does thread sealent hold up when you undo ARP nuts (with their lube)? I would hate it if the studs started turning as I was undoing the nuts as it would mean so much extra work. Also, as I have clamped the head gasket in - do I need to buy another now? And lastly...is my best best to cut down the stud, and thin down one of the washers?

How would you go about this?

1310cc TWINK - T Conversion

i'd just undo the one head stud that is touching without disturbing any of the others, trim a bit off the end (unless it will screw into the block further) then re intall it an torque it up.

I can grind down the top of the stud that is touching - without having to undo the ARP nut. Do you think I should leave it insitu while I grind it down?

Trouble is, there is another place where the actual nut is touching as well, not the stud. But I could undo this nut, grind down the ARP washer and reinstall.

The good thing is I wont have to replace the head gasket - but will grinding down the stud cause to much vibration down into the block and unsettle the thread sealant (however bearing in mind the nut will be fully torqued up).

What do you think?

EDIT - I wont be able to screw the stud further into the block, as I will need to reapply thread sealant and that would necessitate removal of the head..

Edited by Mr Mini on 1st Feb, 2009.

1310cc TWINK - T Conversion

have a look at this website if do not already have it

http://www.efiminis.olicentral.com/index.php

Edited by Rod S on 1st Feb, 2009.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Good question Rod S!

I was going to take it to my local engineering shop and see what they have to say.

Do you think its possible?

Something iv just thought - the problematic head studs are 7&8 (I think, will have to double check) - will I have to loosen 9&10 first to keep to the correct loosening sequence? Im paranoid about loosening any more than strictly necessary, just because of the sealant :/

1310cc TWINK - T Conversion

Hi,
Did you cut all the studs to the precisely the same length?
If so you need to be wondering about why 2 of them are now suddenly longer.
With what material was the block plugged?
Cheers,
Gavin :)

VEMs Authorised Installer / Re-seller. K head kits now available!

WB/EGT gauges. Click here for customers write-up

Visit www.doyouneedabrain.co.uk

My Mini build diary

Yes I had my engineering shop remove 3mm from each stud.

The weird thing is stud 7 touches the cam shank, but not the nut, whereas stud 8 nut touches the cam shank, but not the stud?!?! And all the washers are the same etc.

Makes no sense?

The block was plugged with steel.

EDIT - just a thought...what about taking the engine to the engineering shop, and getting them to grind the top of the nut, and the top of the other stud in situ..so nothing is undone - is this a possibility?

Edited by Mr Mini on 1st Feb, 2009.

1310cc TWINK - T Conversion

to be honest. i wouldnt be grinding anything in situ. how would you keep the swarf out from the moving part or know you have got it all?? (isnt that right Paul S)

remove the studs! dont try and bodge now your clearly far to close for it all to go wrong because your feeling abit lazy..

you can then apply thread sealant to the bottom threads of the studs before you slide them back down through the head to be screwed in. no need to remove the head! i would be removing both 7+8 at the same time and checking that they are the same length.

if they are the same length try both studs in their opposite holes, with the studs dry, (8 in 7 and 7 in 8) and see what they are like then. that will tell you whether its a problem with the studs or the block.

Trouble is, if I apply thread sealant to the stud, then insert it with the head in place, wouldnt the sealant ooze out and leave excess sealant on the block surface?

I know there is one way to solve this properly and thats to take the head off and start again .. damnit. Im also not comfortable reusing the head gasket so thats another 150 quid :(

1310cc TWINK - T Conversion

Hi,
Is it an SC gasket? If so ask John if you can reuse it.
Cheers,
Gavin :)

VEMs Authorised Installer / Re-seller. K head kits now available!

WB/EGT gauges. Click here for customers write-up

Visit www.doyouneedabrain.co.uk

My Mini build diary

Hi,

Yes it is - but its not the one shown on their website (which your right, says it can be reused). Its got some red coloured rubbery stuff on the surface dont know what it is ...

1310cc TWINK - T Conversion

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Would you have the washer ground down, or the top of the nut?

1310cc TWINK - T Conversion