Reusing Head bolts

[jp_waltz]

I am in the middle of replacing the HG on my 88 62 and im wondering what the boards general thoughts are on reusing the head bolts. I have been told by a few people that you should not reuse them and I have also heard that it its ok. the bolts look fine but what do I know. I was in the middle of discussing it with criuserdan but his pm box is full now.(just a heads up if you are reading this Dan)
Any thoughts? I will post this on the 80 section as well seeing that I may have to do the HG on the 80 since it hasnt been done yet.
thanks,
Paul

 

[Spike Strip]

I used mine on the rebuild. If the threads and the heads look ok, and they're not bent, they're fine... And I'm anal about such things.

Get a tap, too, if you don't have one, and chase the threads in the block. It's an odd size. M13 x 1.75 and a little hard to find.

Wait .... Here's the LINK

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

I used mine on the rebuild. If the threads and the heads look ok, and they're not bent, they're fine...

x2 I reused mine after a valve job.
Butt

 

[cruiser88]

A interesting read I read a while back.Must of us reuse head bolts some don't..you're call.

Cylinder Head Bolts: Replacing & Tightening

 

[jp_waltz]

thanks guys,
I think I will reuse them after close inspection to make sure they are good to go.
Paul

 

[rchalmers3]

Yep, tap out the block threads, blow out the dirt and use a light oil on the bolt threads. Should be good for another 400k miles!

Rick

 

[REKCUT]

My converstation with Dan was that you can use them again if they look ok

 

[nodaksn3]

xmany others- I reused them, but was meticulous about cleaning the threads in the block (by hand, no tap available) and lightly oiling the bolts before reinstalling them. Worked fine.

 

[zuluzeugma]

This has been covered several times before. Use the search function. But yes, buy the tap from MSC and wire wheel the threads on the bolts before re-installing. Use a tini drop of oil to ensure proper torque. Re-torque after 500 miles.

 

[lehiguy]

I think the notion that they should be replaced comes from the fact that some engine manufacturers require it. BMW always seems to think that a fastener is trash if you used it once. (Some engines, like their M62 would occasionally break a head bolt and die suddenly so they have a point) They want to sell you all new pinch bolts, etc. when replaceing struts for example. Of course I don't do that because I'm rebellious.

 

[rchalmers3]

I think the notion that they should be replaced comes from the fact that some engine manufacturers require it. BMW always seems to think that a fastener is trash if you used it once. (Some engines, like their M62 would occasionally break a head bolt and die suddenly so they have a point) They want to sell you all new pinch bolts, etc. when replaceing struts for example. Of course I don't do that because I'm rebellious.

Yeah, newer engines have these amazing "yeild to torque" bolts that are designed to SSTTRREEAAACCHH as you torque them. You don't use those twice!

Our old cruisers are tractor technology, old, slow and heavy. But hey, at least they're ugly!

Rick