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Howard Jones · 11-17-06, 11:47 PM

I would try to get them to give you a new head. If not then I see 4 maybe 5 threads gone. I would be willing to try and clean up the mess, save as many threads as possible, and install studs all around. If you can get 5/8 of an inch of threads or more I think it will be fine. Maybe even as little as 1/2 inch will work. Then hand tighten nuts.

I saw some studs somewhere that have allen sockets in the ends of them. They are meant for installing them without back to back nuts but they will also allow you to stabilise the stud with a Allen wrench while you tighten the nut down. If you are careful with this I bet you can pull it off without an expensive fix.

I will add that Ford Ali heads will NOT stand up to a 3/8 drive torque wrench. I use a 6 inch long 3/8 drive socket wrench and take it VERY easy. I would guess that I am putting no more than 10 Lbs of torque on them. I also use gasket adhesive on both sides of the gasket. I like the red stuff from Mr Gasket. The stuff that comes in a small steel can with the top that has the bush attached to it. It, the brush, looks like a ball of cotton but its man-made.

This stuff cleans right off with carb cleaner so you will be able to take it apart later. Nice light coat, easy with amount, more isn't better.

This looks to me like it will turn out alright. It's just the type of thing that will make a perfectionist crazy. Don't let it get you down.

11-17-06, 11:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
Howard Jones 10 tenths Join Date: Jun 2002 GT40: San Francisco Bay Area California USA Posts: 1,884 Rep Power: 25	Re: Nfg!! I would try to get them to give you a new head. If not then I see 4 maybe 5 threads gone. I would be willing to try and clean up the mess, save as many threads as possible, and install studs all around. If you can get 5/8 of an inch of threads or more I think it will be fine. Maybe even as little as 1/2 inch will work. Then hand tighten nuts. I saw some studs somewhere that have allen sockets in the ends of them. They are meant for installing them without back to back nuts but they will also allow you to stabilise the stud with a Allen wrench while you tighten the nut down. If you are careful with this I bet you can pull it off without an expensive fix. I will add that Ford Ali heads will NOT stand up to a 3/8 drive torque wrench. I use a 6 inch long 3/8 drive socket wrench and take it VERY easy. I would guess that I am putting no more than 10 Lbs of torque on them. I also use gasket adhesive on both sides of the gasket. I like the red stuff from Mr Gasket. The stuff that comes in a small steel can with the top that has the bush attached to it. It, the brush, looks like a ball of cotton but its man-made. This stuff cleans right off with carb cleaner so you will be able to take it apart later. Nice light coat, easy with amount, more isn't better. This looks to me like it will turn out alright. It's just the type of thing that will make a perfectionist crazy. Don't let it get you down.