The studs are threaded at both ends obviously. On one end in the shaft right before the threads the stud bubbles out and then the threads start. Does the side that bubbles go down and to the block, or up at the head where the nut screws on.

 

doesnt the nut only screw on one side....but the part that bubles out goes into the block

 

well i had that right... as I was taking it apart I was thinking maybe that bubble was preventing my head from tightening down because the headgasket blew out at idle. on to more brainstorming, thanks

 

Did you get a chance to check your dowels that sit between the block and head? If you shaved both the head and block, you probably have to shave the dowels down. For the studs, the nuts will only thread on one side and the longer section of threads should go into the block.

 

ok thanks guys, I'll shave down the dowels and use copper spray this time. I appreciate the fast replies. I didn't check the nuts I was just brainstorming in the shower and thougth maybe I had the studs in upside down..