changing Rocker cover gasket

[Stesaw]

As long as the studs aren't turning then I'd assume the nuts should just keep going down the threads til they bite.
Maybe swap the nuts out for new ones.
Make sure the stud threads are OK as well.

[Joelbtdavies]

The threads are fine on both of them...

I think the problem might be that I have reached the flat part of the stud, the section between the two threads. But I would have thought the nut would stop turning there rather than keep spinning. 

Does this mean I've already compressed the gasket too much but without much resistance from turning the nut?

The studs are the short black ones that came with the brickwerks rubber gasket. 

[Stesaw]

I'm assuming the studs are wound into the head enough?
Not sure if there is a right and wrong way of putting the studs in, as in one threaded section is longer then the other.

[Joelbtdavies]

I had overtightened some of them way too much I think. Torque wrench wasn't working properly in the low end of the range. 

I'd started grinding onto the flat part of the studs and caused all sorts of frustration to myself.

Taken the all the studs out and put some new studs in now, going to try finish it off again tomorrow, caused too much self inflicted anger today...