Fatigued now I think mate, I snapped one trying to tighten it up with just normal pressure on a 1/4” ratchet.

also the nuts are working loose, and it’s quite common apparently.

I've got one snapped stud so may aswell do the lot and change the gasket.

i think I can do it all from above on the mk4 Mondeo I may be lucky and remove all the studs whilst keeping everything in place, slide the new gasket in then install new studs, as long as they all come out ok that is.

only downside is not being able to clean mating surfaces but I’ll take the chance.