Scored another 39 Mercury flathead in good condition from a restorer, hasn't done many miles with good compression etc, decided to dress it up a bit so I got a new pair of Edelbrock heads and a set of longer block studs. What's the best/safest way to change the studs over without breaking any off ? I know its not a big question but I'd rather ask to see if there is an easy way before I take the old heads off. Thanks in advance Mick
just removed the studs from a 26 Dodge bros. heat the stud with a torch red hot as close to the block as you dare. Give the stud a hit with a hammer while it is hot. pretty hard but not enough to break anything. let it cool. Using a cam lock tool that grabs the stud right at the block surface, back it out. I know some people say to melt wax on the stud. i don't think that helps but it won't hurt.
I've never broken a stud (knock on wood) since I found this concentric style extractor used with an impact wrench. Most come out with no heat. Sometimes a little heat but I don't get them red hot. Also, here are a couple of links with more ideas: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/flathead-head-bolt-removal.649705/ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/tech-flathead-stud-removal.387734/
I got mine out like RichFox says above and did melt the wax in but also don't know for sure that it helped. The concentric stud extractor looks like a great idea, the regular offset ones like I used could potentially put side loads on the stud.
Concentric collett grip type stud pullers are the best tool for the job...maybe not helpful to you, but a Snap-on kit that covers about every stud thread on a flathead is around $200 US. These things thread onto the top threads, then tighten the thread grip part with a collett that gives them a death grip and centered turning.
As recommended previously a little heat goes a long way. Not red hot from a rose bud, but a little MAP gas in one hand and turning force in the direction of removal. It will break lose when it is ready.
That concentric type I posted above is 20 bucks and works extremely well. Similar "death grip" but it does ruin the stud. It's not threaded on, it bites in with teeth. Surprising well made for the price.
Speedway sells them. here's a link: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Titan-Tools-16023-3-8-Inch-Stud-Extractor,57614.html
I have removed a lot of old studs with my cam lock tool. I like it because it grabs the stud as close to the base as possible. It's true that if you use poor technique you could stress the stud in a direction you don't want to. the answer to that is don't do it. I use an extension and keep the breaker bar over the stud at least when starting out.
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