• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Replacing Rocker Arm Stud 289

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rmoore45
  • Start date Start date Oct 8, 2012
R

Rmoore45

Member
Jun 5, 2011
142
0
17
Oct 8, 2012
#1
  • Oct 8, 2012
  • #1
Somehow, one the #2 cylinder intake rocker got extremely loose and got sideways. In the process it managed to bend a pushrod and mess up a lifter. The worst part is that the rocker cut gouges in the rocker arm stud so when the rocker is adjusted it still has a lot of side to side play. I want to prevent this from happening again by replacing the rocker arm stud. Preferably without removing the head.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this? Has anyone on the forum done it before? How?

Here's my idea.
Take the new stud (which I already have thanks to O'reillys) and put in a ice/saltwater bath in the freezer overnight. The next day start up the car and let it warm up to get the head hot. While everything is nice and hot pull the valve cover and rocker, put a spacer in on the rocker stud and use a grade 8 nut and washer to pull the stud from the head by tightening the nut until the stud pops out. Next take the cold stud from the freezer and put 2 grade 8 nuts and lock them together so there is somewhere to hit the stud with a hammer. Align the stud in the hole and gently hammer it in place using another stud as a guide to set the depth. In theory it works, however if anyone sees a problem let me know.

Thanks, Ranger
 

Hwyman

Member
Nov 25, 2010
58
2
9
Bakersfield, CA
Oct 9, 2012
#2
  • Oct 9, 2012
  • #2
I have done it almost exactly as you are planning, and for the same reason. I already had mine apart enough where I didn't start the motor to warm it first, but the stud still pulled out. I used a heavy hammer so I didn't have to swing real hard to drive the new stud in, but it took a pretty good whack. You can probably see on the old stud how far it was in. Lay it next to the new one and mark a line.
 

horse sence

15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
12,194
8,027
233
Wile Coyote's stunt double
Oct 9, 2012
#3
  • Oct 9, 2012
  • #3
Hwyman said:
I have done it almost exactly as you are planning, and for the same reason. I already had mine apart enough where I didn't start the motor to warm it first, but the stud still pulled out. I used a heavy hammer so I didn't have to swing real hard to drive the new stud in, but it took a pretty good whack. You can probably see on the old stud how far it was in. Lay it next to the new one and mark a line.
Click to expand...
yep done it before , dont start the motor. make sure the top nut sticks up above the top of the stud so you do not damage the threads. three nuts may be even better that way the threads will not get wiped off the stud. a little lock tite after making sure the stud hole is clean and the stud should stay.
to remove the old stud ,a short piece of small pipe or old socket and tighten down a grade 8 nut by hand slowly so as not to creat heat, a little oil will help. and it will come right out .good luck let us know how it goes.
 

65FBE2

Member
Mar 8, 2007
283
0
17
Minnasnowta
Oct 11, 2012
#4
  • Oct 11, 2012
  • #4
What ever you do, do not use an impact gun. It will tear the threads on the nut and possibly he stud. I learned hat he hard way. I replaced one once but replaced the stud with a threaded one. You can get threaded studs that do not have a hex on them. That way you can convert to screw in stud without milling the boss down. I was a long time ago but I think I found them for a small block Chevy. They work fine. Just tap the hole once you get the old stud out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Shifter lever arm issue
  • chris1993
  • Jan 18, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
180
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 24, 2026
Rcdgl
R
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
739
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
D
Rockers, lash adjusters and timing: help with parts (4.6 2v)
  • dvigAtel
  • Nov 1, 2025
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
0
Views
214
Other Auto Tech Nov 1, 2025
dvigAtel
D
For Sale Borg Warner WC T5, Stock Bell Housing, RAM Clutch Set, Double Hump Cross Member, & Pro 5.0 Shifter
  • AeroCoupe
  • Aug 9, 2025
  • Drivetrain Parts
Replies
1
Views
573
Drivetrain Parts Dec 26, 2025
AeroCoupe
P
Suspension Different height ball joints?
  • pindude80
  • Jun 10, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
15
Views
3K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 12, 2024
limp
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?