been searching for this for about 20mins now. Are the locator pins required if you are using head studs? I got a new block and it is missing one pin and the other is pretty messed up. looks like it was hit with a hammer a few times.

 

Yes, needed - machine shop will have them. You'll need a slide hammer to remove them.

 

? how would i get them out with a slide hammer?

 

Use the correct jaw to grab them with the hammer and slide hammer away.

 

oh... the one that is in there is pretty much flat. looks like the guy before me tried to hammer them out... or maybe that's in. Wonder if there is a pin in the block then? would this cause issues? any recommendations?

 

Look at the one that's missing to get an idea of the size shape of the hole and either try to drill it out like you would extract a broken bolt or you can try to pry it out. Has your block already been machined and is ready to go? If so you need to be carefuly not to nick or scratch your deck.

The pins are needed to keep the gasket from moving and causing leaks.