Alright, so I took the heads off my FLH to replace the rocker gaskets only to find most of the studs rusted to hell. I got a few of them out by double nutting them, the rest wouldn't budge. I put the heads on a metal plate in my propane grill and got them good and warm and I got all but 4 of them out. I've had penetrating oil on them for over a week before I heated them. Would any of you men out there have any suggestions on removing these miserable sunza bitches?

 

I use the double nut method first...then...like you have done..a Moderate amount of heat..and Vise Grips...I'm a COB!

Edit; To add...when Hot...I generally hit the studs with a Hammer as If they were a Nail..Hit it hard as if to drive it IN.
You'll be surprised how easy they come out.

 

My input would be don't force the replacement unless absolutely necessary. I had a few sticking up causing a massive leave. Previous owner install. Went to remove a few and all 4 pull the threads out. Wish I just opened the bottom of the rocker box to make it fit. Now I have to heli coil each one

Mike

 

Trust me...Hit the Damn thing...jar it loose from the aluminum...If you simply Gorilla the thing out...you will have Issues...

 

That's a great idea hitting the studs to bust it loose in there, I'll try it and let you guys know how it works.

 

after heating the head as you did, take some electronic component "freeze spray" (@ Radio Shack) and briefly spray the stud low by where it enters the head. Heat will expand the metal while cold will shrink (compress the molecules). Then tap the top of the stud with a hammer and then use the double nut technique to back them out. Use a propane pencil torch to heat around the head might be quicker than the grill method