XKE 6 Cylinder Head Studs
Throughout the XKE’s life, there were three variations of cylinder head stud configurations for the 6 cylinder cars. In an effort to compile them, one of my close work associates has put them into a CAD program and saved them as PDF files. These help identify which studs go into which engine and where in the block they are located. Note also that the long stud engines use acorn nuts that are also longer as the studs stretch more. I have seen the use of the earlier Chrome nuts on the later engines and it sometimes works if the head has not been shaved to much. However, sometimes the nut will tighten down to torque and rather than torqueing onto the head, it is just bottoming out onto the stud. This does not become apparent until the head gasket blows out from improper or uneven torque.
When examining a used stud for use in an engine, chase the threads with a die or chaser 7/16x20 and lubricate it with oil while chasing. If the threads are corroded or damaged, it would be best to replace the stud. Take the stud and roll it on a flat surface to make sure it is straight. A slightly bent stud will make it rather difficult to put your head back on. Another problem area are the long studs on the later engines. They tend to corrode at the base where they thread into the block. This can create a difficult to solve problem if they snap. These studs are immersed in the cooling system so if the antifreeze is not changed at recommended intervals, corrosion occurs not only on the stud but also between the aluminum and steel studs. The studs can weld themselves into the head making it almost impossible to remove the head.
Antifreeze has anti corrosion properties that wear out over time. Normal versions should be replaced every 18 months and the long life every 5 years.
There are three PDF pages that show the stud arrangement and part numbers. The lifting brackets if used are also shown. The PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later. This is available for free download if needed. Click HERE
For the XKE 3.8 Engine Numbers R-1001 -> R-999 and RA-1001 -> RA-7323 click HERE for the first file.
For the Later 3.8 and 4.2 into the Series 2 cars with Engine Numbers RA-7324 -> for the 3.8, 7E-1001 -> for the 4.2/1, and 7R-1001 ->7R-1914 for the Series 2 cars
Click HERE for the second file.
For the Later Series 2 cars with engine number 7R-1915 -> to the last, Click HERE for the third file.