Replacing Rocker Arm Stud 289

[Rmoore45]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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.