Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) head studs without removing head?

[DMcPherson]

I am wondering if I can stud the head without removing it. Im thinking when I change injectors and turbo that I may want to do this.

 

[59Turbo]

Yes you can. Just do one at a time and only loosen one headbolt at a time.

 

[jerrethomas]

i thought about doing this also, but i have also read that you are supposed to run a tap in it. would you just get a tap and weld a extension fast to it to run it down or what?

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Do not put oil in the bolt hole, blow it out with an air nozzel and make sure nothing is in there. Reason being if you tighten down on some fluid in the bottom of the hole you could create enough hydrolic pressure to cause a crack to form. A disaster to say the least. After you run a few miles or days check the bolts with the same torque wrench before you work the engine hard. There may be a recomended tightening pattern, maybe in a shop manuel.

 

[DMcPherson]

I have to look at one, but is there anything that has to come off to access the bolts?

 

[Fishin Guide]

I have to look at one, but is there anything that has to come off to access the bolts?

All the valvetrain comes off.



I prefer to remove and reinstall the studs in the torque sequence.



I ran a custom made stud into the holes. it was 2 bolts welded together with a nitch out of the threads. I used brake cleaner on the "tap" and in the hole. Then, I blew it out with air. All 1 at a time.



Dave

 

[R-N-R]

i thought about doing this also, but i have also read that you are supposed to run a tap in it. would you just get a tap and weld a extension fast to it to run it down or what?

I wouldn't weld on an extension, the weld will create a weak spot and you will have one hell of a time getting the tap out if it breaks off. I tried it and the tap (not the weld joint) easily broke in two. You can buy a long shank tap. My studs fit without having to tap the holes deeper so you might just want to try it out.