So I'm doing my head gasket on the B18C/DC2 daily and I have one damn nut on my exhaust studs that is stripped. Because of my header style, RMF narrow, I don't have enough space from the primary to get a socket on there either normal or strip nut socket, only wrenches. A standard 12mm wrench just slips, as does a small adjustable wrench I tried. Channel locks are going to be my next attempt but again space is limited. I also soaked it in WD Specialist to try and help break it loose and make it easier. Any ideas what to try next? This one damn thing is holding me up lol, head is disassembled, cams are out, ready to pop the fuel line and pull the head & intake mani as soon as this one damn header nut gets off.

 

Try using a standard or sae however you want to refer to it. 7/16 is close. Also I'm assuming your using a 12 point wrench try and fine a 6 point or using a tubing wrench in 12mm.

 

Heat (torch) will expand the nut hole and may help it break free easier.

 

Pics?
Cut the head off?
The header but is stripped on the hex flats? Not the threads right?
Have access to a Welder?

 

thanks for all the tips guys I tried all sorts of methods but in the end I just cut it off with my Dremel and bought new stainless exhaust studs all the way around. I had already bought extended stainless intake studs because I added a thermal gasket and needed the extra thread in a few locations anyway, so I just bought another set and replaced the exhaust side too. Luckily a pair of vice grips is all it took to remove all the studs. Everything is now cleaned up, intake manifold runners, plenum, intake ports on head all cleaned and smoothed, exhaust ports cleaned. ARP head studs in the block. Put the intake and thermal gasket back on my head. Tomorrow morning the head goes back on the block and everything gets put back together finally. Will be so happy to drive the car again. I actually found the slight head gasket leak while tuning the car, so I'm going to do a few more pulls now when I'm done to make sure nothing needs changed, but I made almost 200whp with a stock B18C short block and the leaky head gasket lol.