Rocker Cover Gasket Studs

[GTXGTXGTX]

I am doing the cork to rubber rocker cover gasket conversion at the weekend. Should I expect any problem changing the studs? are they easy to remove or should I expect a fight? What is the best tool to remove them with?
Also I have heard of people using bolts instead of studs, will this work and I so what size is required>

Any advise appreciated. Thanks

[james butler]

studs should come out with a pair of mole grips but make sure you soak them in wd40 or plus gas first because if you snap one they are a bugger to get back out.

if you intend to use bolts you want 6x m6 20mm cap head bolts and 2x m6 25mm cap head bolts for the timing belt end.
i changed my studs out for bolts because you know they are down tight. in my opinion studs have a habit of bottoming out before the rocker cover is really tight causing leaks.
double check with MACC on here as we did his rocker cover a couple of weeks ago

[james butler]

if my memory serves me right all the replacement bolts came to less than £2.00

[unknownmale]

I've done it to a couple of cars, Learnt on the second go to warm the car up a bit before removing the old ones, especially in this weather. I got a new set of studs with both gaskets I bought.

But yeah, warming the car up first will defo help! And like James said, soaking them too. I just used to two nut trick to get them out.Had a couple that didn't want to come out, used a little bit of heat from a butane torch and a giant pair of channel locks, eventually broke loose.

[GTXGTXGTX]

Quick update, went for the cap head bolt option and it worked really well. Had to put some heat on 3 of the studs to get them out but all good in the end. Gave the rocker cover and the timing belt cover a thorough soak and clean whilst they were off. Job done, no more leaks.
Thanks for the advise on the bolts.

[james butler]

[Nate]

For future reference, to remove studs all you need is a pair of nuts. Tighten them against each other and then you can undo the stud like a bolt