[FRporscheman]

I was about to remove the cylinder head. I went to undo the head nuts, and each time, my wrench turned about 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn before the nuts would crack loose. I figured the only thing that was turning before I heard the crack must be the stud. I know there is a stretch and twist tolerance within the elastic limits of the steel studs. But not this much...? Does it sound like I twisted the studs? If so should I replace them? I heard replacing head studs is a nightmare of a job.



The car has 220,000 miles and the head had never been removed before. I.e. the head gasket was original and still in ok condition. I was just replacing it preemptively.

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[968rz]

I wouldn't worry, 15years as a tech I never "twisted" (or broke) a head bolt/stud that was not ment to be. Some are made to be used once and those type may stretch/break when removing, but not a 968. I would have no fear to reuse them on my own car.



BTW- that crack is normal and you will hear it on all head bolts as they break loose.

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[happysails2you]

[quote name='FRporscheman' post='35869' date='May 23 2007, 02:07 AM']The car has 220,000 miles and the head had never been removed before. I.e. the head gasket was original and still in ok condition. I was just replacing it preemptively.[/quote]



Hey, FRporscheman, on a separate note...you might be in the lead for the highest mileage! See the thread "Mileage Milestone" in General Discussions and claim your crown. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[FRporscheman]

Crown claimed - thanks for the tip! But I can't take the credit, since this is my mom's 968 we're talking about. I think it has 222,000 right now. She drives a lot, so I don't think anyone will beat her!



I have been working on cars for 3-4 years now and I've come to know and love the "crack" sound. What I'm worried about is the fact that the wrench turned 1/8-1/4 of a turn before the crack.

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[968rz]

I know what you're talking about, had it happpen myself. I still wouldn't worry (at all), once you re-torque it you'll see that it wont turn that extra 1/4 turn. Youre fine.

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[FRporscheman]

Fantastico! That's what I wanted to hear. I was really dreading changing those studs.



I'm no expert, I just have some wrenches and a laptop. But I've done a lot of things to 944s so I'm learning. Thanks for your help!

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[968rz]

No problem We like to help <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> Have fun and watch that cam timing.

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