Carroll,

Lots of patience, waterpump pliers and vice grips were used to wrestle the
broken studs out.  The stud extractor got some of them, but was too bulky on
the corner ones due to the water jacket being so close to the stud.  Those
were the tricky ones.  There is another type of stud extractor that I've
recently heard about that uses a cone shaped gripping device which might
work better than the cam grip type I was using. I ultimately did get them
out, however, so it's not impossible.

I got the studs from my local import parts shop, T-Hoff, in Raleigh.  You
can send them an e-mail (mailto:\\parts@t-hoff.com) for a quote and they
will gladly get you what you need.  Also, they can get you just the
individual studs you need, it's not necessary to buy a full set.

Good Luck,
Bill

-----Original Message-----
From: Carroll Smith [mailto:cas@digital.net]
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 1998 4:12 PM
To: Bill Knight
Subject: Vanagon Head Studs

Hi Bill!
I hope you will not object to my replying directly to your comments to
the Vanagon List regarding head stud replacement and the difficulties
thereof.

I too have an 85 Vanagon (automatic, air cond., 1.9L, WC, pwr
steering) which had a head stud let go while driving. Water into the
oil, foam, smoke, loss of power, confusion, get it to my mechanic,
pull the engine, etc.

My question is to what lengths did you have to go to remove the broken
studs, and where did you buy replacements?

Did you torch the studs?

If you can spare the time, could you share a little of your
experience?  I have a person to help but neither he nor I have ever
done this before. Any wisdom would be most greatly appreciated!

Carroll Smith