Replace head gasket without replacing head bolts? (1 Viewer)

[bikemaniac]

Hi,

Everybody says you should replace the head bolts when replacing the head gasket. Has anyone practical experience with NOT replacing the head bolts and just reuse the old ones?

Lucas

 

[dogfishlake]

You should be fine to reuse them. One time for sure.

 

[dogfishlake]

You have to measure the thickness per the FSM and if they aren't stretched too thin you are good to go

 

[Malleus]

How much is your engine worth? If it's less than the cost of the head bolts, go ahead.

 

[cruiserdan]

In my experience 1FZ head bolts are usually re-usable at least once, sometimes more. They do need to be measured for minimum diameter to confirm serviceability.

At ~200 bucks a set automatic replacement, just because, is not cheap.

 

[Mighty690]

While I agree with Dan, I must say on my second 1FZ-FE HG job I did purchase new OEM bolts. (On an earlier engine build I reused the original bolts.) For me, that amount of money was worth it. I was building the engine to do another 20 years and the comfort of stretching fresh, quality bolts was worth it. The reused bolts felt different when I did that last 90 degrees.

 

[cruiserdan]

If I still had my "old job" I'd buy head bolts without batting an eye. Now that I am a semi-retired museum curator I have to think twice.


I even buy my beer on sale now.....

 

[2fpower]

Another option is ARP studs.

look for kit - Opel V6 209-4702

 

[half k cruiser]

Hi,

Everybody says you should replace the head bolts when replacing the head gasket. Has anyone practical experience with NOT replacing the head bolts and just reuse the old ones?

Lucas

Its fine, just make sure to run the calipers on them per FSM.

 

[OGBeno]

If I still had my "old job" I'd buy head bolts without batting an eye. Now that I am a semi-retired museum curator I have to think twice.


I even buy my beer on sale now.....

****ing weak dude.

 

[flintknapper]

Just measure them. Come up about 1-1/8" from the bolts threaded end and measure. If below .417" replace.

 

[AJP]

As said already...reuse those that are in spec according to fsm. Replace those out of spec or at the ragged edge. Also report back here if you dont mind the measurement of the bolts that were removed adjacent to the headgasket failure pt. The only bolt I removed that was out of spec was the one right next approx 10oclock to no. 6 cyl. Which was also where my HG failed..another bolt was close to outside spec so I replaced that too...it was also near no.6. Have fun. Its not a job I am anxious to repeat....

 

[Cuerno Largo]

If I still had my "old job" I'd buy head bolts without batting an eye. Now that I am a semi-retired museum curator I have to think twice.


I even buy my beer on sale now.....

Wow...I didn't even realize Keystone light ever went on sale!? I guess you can learn something worthwhile in the 80 forum.

 

[cruiserdan]

 

[cruiserdan]

****ing weak dude.

Pffffft

 

[Gabriel 71]

I reused all but .one had corrosion and had been stretched to the point it wasn't in spec. Got oem Mr T one, and only one it was 13 bucks and change but shipping from Florida was another 12 bucks. Piece of mind I guess but honestly I really think I could have reused it.

 

[2fpower]

I have 2 used sets in my garage. Anyone need some spares, let me know. Trade you for a box of stones'.

 

[vfrer]

 

[bikemaniac]

View attachment 1519007

That is vital information. I dont have a 80 series, but a Hiace with an L Motor. My Hiace uses bolts that are M12x1.25. Are the bolts in your example of the same spec?

 

[cruiserdan]

No.