Update pics

[Jeff W]

Do you remember the brand of the studs? Were they ARP or did they come with your roller kit? If they were no names I may consider replacing all.

[Luva65wagon]

I'll second Jeff's comment. Seem very odd to pull the top off of a good-brand stud. I'd get a set of ARP studs, especially if you're still going to race it.

[BadBird]

The studs came pre-installed on the AFR 185 heads. I don't think it was a stud problem as much as it was operator error. The nut on that stud had backed off almost 1/4". I think the rocker just got caught rocking back and forth and snapped the stud. It made a loud pop for sure.
These heads are known as some of the best for racing so not too worried about the studs. Just worry about me getting them tight when they are adjusted. These lifters have always made quite a bit of noise and I have checked them twice before. Just left one a little loose I think. More to come I am sure. Larry

[BadBird]

I went to AFR's website and found an interesting footnote about their AFR 185's. So, I am going to replace all the studs and will have to replace all the roller rockers to 7/16 also. Poopers. Larry
Footnotes

1. AFR Small Block Ford
   
   • We strongly recommend using 7/16" rocker studs with today's fast cam rates and RPM capabilities as 3/8" Rocker Studs can occasionally break.

[Luva65wagon]

You would think they'd just use the 7/16 studs and be done with it. So all new studs and new rockers both.

You mentioned they were noisy all along, which has been stressing me out with my Ranchero motor. I readjusted the valves because I thought they were not set right after my rocker/guide plate/push-rod issue a while back. They we set right, but it seems noisy roller rockers is a thing. Chased it down of YouTube and Google and so many have this issue. Nobody says, or seems to know, what is clacking exactly. But now I'm obsessed with leaning why!

[BadBird]

After talking to a Ford racing engine builder I am going to stick with 3/8 studs and have ARP new ones ordered. The builder states he uses 3/8 studs and gets over 7000RPM and never broke one. He also said the studs that used to come with the AFR 185 heads were not good and tend to break. Well, we will see.
I got another stud and installed it. Tomorrow I will start the car up, hope there isn't any weird noises. If everything sounds okay I will drive it until I get the new studs installed. If there are issues after the run, More to come. Larry

[BillP 98201]

Hope everything goes well Larry