Head Stud Replacement without removing the head. Anyone done this?

[GXP]

Considering tackling this job while putting in a new oil cooler and injectors (among other things listed in sig) but I'm a bit apprehensive. Anyone have personal experience with this? Is there a way to ensure success? I've just learned that this is possible... or is it?

[GXP]

To clarify the method: a tech from a local repair shop said that I could pull each TTY head bolt (one at a time) and replace them with head studs.

[southend]

Yes it's possible, and has been done with success. There is a member here who has done it, I can't remember who it was right now.

Sent from my phone that somebody didn't help me get.

[blks350]

heyy.. looking for a socal powerstroke mechanic preferbly somebody that does it on the side can be drive way mechanic just as long they know what there doing.just moved out here couple months ago so having a hard time finding somebody.. thanks

[c85r86]

I studded my '06 and I cannot imagine how this can be done. The clearance between the head and the AC box is rediculously small; same for rear outboard bolt on driver side. I used an engine crane to remove and install the heads using binder clips to hold the studs in the heads during installation.

I spent the money and bought the Ford manuals (around $180) for when I studded my heads and I would highly recommend them; not just for this but nice to have around for anything. I also bought the Snap-On tool specifically made for loosening and tightening the bolts (definately worth the it if you don't want to tear up the heat shielding on the firewall or the AC box).

I'm sure I could come up with a quick list of things I came across to help you save time and aggrevation if you decide to take the heads off (good time to check for warped head and cracked valve seats).

Hope this info helps.

[averageguy]

How many miles are on the motor? it can be done but there are some things to consider first. Like how many miles on motor. Is there any smoke out of the tail pipe. How are your temps. Do you suspect a blown gasket? If so then studding will not fix your problem.

[GXP]

Very helpful!! Thanks! I'm in the came camp with the clearance issues. Been looking at the rear bolts and can't see how it would work. If you could post the info for the snap-on tool that would be awesome! Thanks again!

[GXP]

It has 129K on it. I literally just bought the Excursion a week ago. I've put maybe 100 miles on it so I'm not real familiar with it yet. Seemed fairly well taken care of. Oil change had about 2900 miles on it, coolant is real clean, was bone stock with EGR system intact. It was a no-start so I got it real cheap. Put a FICM in and an IPR valve and it runs pretty smooth at this point. Haven't put monitors on it yet so don't know about the temps and I haven't seen any smoke. You can see the list of parts I have to replace / install in my sig. I just want it to be reliable and figured if I'm going down to the oil cooler I might consider going the rest of the way to the heads. I've been told that the body of the excursion has to come off to get the job done though (is that true) which I am not not about to tackle.

[poorboy1964]

There are a couple of guys who have done this.. Dieselmatt and I think the other was crazy8 I don't have tread links. do a search for them

[dth0mas]

Just wondering why are you installing a new oil cooler if you don't have eot numbers? If you don't have a faulty cooler what's the point of putting on a brand new one?