Wrong-sized washer stuck to ARP head stud...

[TheUser]

I ran into a rather unique and somewhat disturbing situation. I have the engine on a stand and I'm pulling it apart for a rebuild and pulled the valve covers off. Well, I have ARP head studs and somehow, instead of the supplied washer, a different sized washer got placed on one of my studs and it's stuck. I have no idea how it even fit on there, but the nut was torqued down and the washer (stuck to the stud) was about 1/8" from touching the head, so I know it didn't seal well before. The only problem is that I'm not real sure how to get it off of the stud now. I don't know where to get ONE replacement ARP stud, so I don't want to tear this one up, but I kinda need that washer off.

I did the install last time and have NO IDEA how this happened!

I was thinking about maybe trying to grind it down and hopefully it would break off.

here is a pic:

 

[Blk91stang]

Here are my choice of tools in the order listed. I assume you can just get a new washer at a hardware store or get a new one from summit or jegs.

Air Powered Cut off Wheel
Metal Shears
Hacksaw
atomic bomb

 

[ALMOSTFINISHED]

Bolt cutters or a pair of dykes and a strong hand.

Nick

 

[jrichker]

You probably already know this, but just in case...

Be aware that some of the ARP bolts have a radius between the shank and the head. The washers have a relief cut in them to match the radius. Be sure that you match the radius and relief together when you assemble the bolt & washer. Assemble the washer the wrong way and you will never be able to get the bolts torqued down and stable. The torque on the bolts will change and the washers will not fit close under the bolt head like they should.

 

[TheUser]

Thanks jrichker, but I have ARP head studs and they don't appear to have the reliefs that you speak of.

I used a grinder and ground that washer down and was able to pull it off. Ran a die down the threads to clean them out and good as new...except for the small knick I made on the stud w/ the grinder...oops; it shouldn't matter, though.

Thanks for all of the help:SNSign:

 

[TheUser]

I forgot to ask before:

As far as I understand, the washers w/ the ARP head studs are hardened (obviously I'm short one now), so can I just get a hardened washer at the hardware store? I want to try to put the correct washer on there.

 

[5.0 con-vert]

I forgot to ask before:

As far as I understand, the washers w/ the ARP head studs are hardened (obviously I'm short one now), so can I just get a hardened washer at the hardware store? I want to try to put the correct washer on there.

shouldnt be a problem if it is an ACE or something like that.