tr7triumph.com

Oh no it's happened so when I eventually remove the head to replace the head gasket is there any make that is the best. As I would like to get it right the first time, also did I read somewhere that high quality studs can be bought that eliminates future problems with head removal. Any advice will be most welcome.

Payen makes quality head gaskets, pricey but this is one area where you don't want to economize. As for quality studs such as ARP, they tend not to stretch as much, good for high compression racing engines, might be overkill for standard engine. The "future problems" tend to be electrolysis which can be eliminated by lubing the studs, I think all studs will be prone to this unless lubed. Retorquing heads at 500 miles should prevent gasket problems if it has a quality one.

Not sure that electrolysis or corrosion of the studs is the problem.

I had 3 of my studs come out easily with a large screw driver turning them easily.

A couple came with double nuts locking to the stud. Once started a screw driver brought them the rest of the way.

All bar one of the rest surrendered when the nut was welded to the studs. Again, once started they came, actually by fingers.

The last took 3 goes to weld a nut well enough to the stud. I was not game to use a breaker bar, as I felt the stud would shear. It was a heavy duty impact wrench to start it, then again it came easily once started.

I believe the studs bottom in their holes, [or the top of their threads lock on the block], effectively locking them in place. None of mine had any corrosion to the head or the block. Most would screw in & out with fingers, after the first removal.

On another engine I checked how the studs worked. I screwed them right in, then back out 2 turns. I marked the studs, & checked how they performed. with the stud holes cleaned & the studs coated with copper slip, all bar 2 screwed half to a full turn into the block as the nuts were tightened.

This may not have been a good idea, but so far no trouble. The proof will be if that head has to come off again some time.

Hasbeen

Thanks guys, all the parts suppliers I've checked have said that Payen head gaskets are no longer available. anybody used a FAI one as they seem to be more expensive than most but does that make them better?

You might try contacting S&S Prep. and Robsport to see what they recommend for a quality gasket.