should I retorque head bolts when I do my shims?

[ribbert]

.....It was a very anxious and dreadful experience. The studs just didnt screw right out of the block. It took a tremendous amount of torque and the studs would move with a very loud SNAP, then repeat again. Every time it would snap I was sure the stud had sheared. Thank goodness my friend Roger was there with me, telling me to have patience and go slow.

Fred

You were quite right to be anxious Fred, this is not something I have the nerve for, nor would my preference be for the stud to come out or risk something breaking or stripping. If a reasonable amount of force won't move it, I recommend moving on to other means. Heat, hammer or splitter.

These are the bees knees, they will heat the nut to cherry red faster than a torch (oxy, not propane) and keep the heat localised.



A bit expensive for DIY owners but they work a treat. Most of them come with a range of interchangeable coil sizes and angles.

Noel

[Millietant]

Seen those used on Car SOS and Wheeler Dealers, they seem to be the bees knees. 

[Pat Conlon]

Thanks Noel, I didn't know that tool existed

[Millietant]

I think they're called induction coil heaters Pat.