Would you remove/replace these studs?

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

I would try to tape/seal the bores/valves and then take a wire brush on a drill/air-grinder then clean them all up. If there are any nicks, then polish them a bit in those areas.

If the threads are good and all you're doing is replacing the head gasket, then you'll be doing yourself a big favor in using them (after cleaning them up). Also, put some anti-seize on the stud sides and the threads before you put it back together. This helps to prevent more rust in the future.

If you're going to pull the motor and rebuild it, then I'd remove them and probably skim the deck of the block . . . but then you're into the whole rebuild process.

Also, looks like you have quite a bit of rush/corrosion in the water jackets - you should do some searches on here about the various ways that folks have cleaned their blocks (on running engines).

I'm with B&S and would do as he outlined. If the stud didn't respond to two heat cycles, it's telling you something.