<VV> Engine disassembly

[Frank DuVal]

After working on the rusty Autocross Loaner car the last two weeks I 
also second Dennis' use of 50/50 mix acetone and ATF. I mix it in a 
small squirt oil can from Harbor Freight. It really seemed to be bett6er 
than WD-40, Kroil and PB Blaster. Kroil and PB Blaster were my favorites 
until last week!

I also have used vise grips on the studs, but usually only after they 
start to turn out of the block. I would much rather keep the studs in 
the block also, Bryan!

An old hint, not yet mentioned, is to tighten the nut first, then loosen 
it. Sounds nutty, but works well. The theory being the nut will break 
free of the stud (after soaking, heat, etc) with a better chance of not 
turning the stud if you are trying to force the stud deeper into the block.

If the stud loosens (or comes out fully), test torque the stud before 
you install the heads by using pipe nipples or other such spacer and the 
head nuts (or rocker stud). If it can torque without running the stud 
into the block, all is good.

Oversized studs are for those studs that pull out aluminum threads or 
don't hold torque in the above test.

Keep in mind the threads on the studs are not standard. It is special 
(not round) so that it grabs the aluminum better. So don't use a 
standard die to clean the threads.

For rusty (shut up west coasters!) nuts, you can hammer on a 14 mm six 
point socket or smaller for really bad nuts! ggg

Frank DuVal



On 9/22/2011 9:18 PM, Bryan Blackwell wrote:
> I've found holding them with Vice Grips is helpful.  However, I've been told that's bad because you can damage the stud.  My preference is to keep the stud in the case.
>
> --Bryan
>
> On Sep 22, 2011, at 8:22 PM, shortle wrote:
>
>> I am ready to take apart my '64 FC engine for complete cleaning and to rebuild it. Is anything suggested before tearing into it as far as the head nuts? I am hoping none of the studs unscrew out of the case. And if the studs do unscrew out of the case, do we just screw them back in or is an oversized stud suggested? I have been soaking the studs as well as I can with Liquid Wrench for a few days now. Thanks for any suggestions, thoughts, and opinions.