During the install of my front PEM, I believe we may have damaged the thread on my left most stud on the head. This is a long stud that helps hold the manifold in place. I had a noticeable exhaust leak (you could hear it) for 1 day after install, and then it went away.

First, is it safe to drive it like this?

Second, any recommendations? I think the thread is mostly ok, so any quick fixes someone could think of? I was thinking a smaller stud, and forcing it into there?

Pic?

I do not have any pics, I can get some later if needed. But it is the left most stud on the front manifold.