Reusing Head Bolts

[DHMag]

ive read only a handful of posts about reusing them. just making sure everyones still in agreement about it, namely Fred. or, could any other bolts be used in leiu ? like grade 8....

TIA

 

[twr]

You can reuse the head bolts on the V6 motors. Since the V8 is an all aluminum block, it uses torque to yield bolts (protects from stripping out the block) I would not use anything but the correct bolts for attaching a cylinder head to a block.

 

[DHMag]

thanks for the speedy reply Terry. it sucks not having the internet at my disposal any more. shoulda paid the phone bill instead of buying SHO parts.

 

[rangerj]

As a rule of thumb the head bolts can be re-used about 2 to 3 times. However, you should always check the threads with a straight edge. All of the threads should be touching the straight edge evenly. If not, the bolt is stretched or warped.

Check the bolt in 4 places 90 degrees from each other. This will tell you if the bolt is straight and whether it is stretched, or not. rangerj

 

[revhardSHO]

You can reuse the head bolts on the V6 motors. Since the V8 is an all aluminum block, it uses torque to yield bolts (protects from stripping out the block) I would not use anything but the correct bolts for attaching a cylinder head to a block.

The 3.8L (a.k.a. POS, headgasket blower, crap, etc) 232 ford V6 uses torque to yield head bolts in a cast iron block...I was under the impression that the "stretch" design was used to compensate for head gasket compression over time; so as they would not have to be re-torqued later later on down the road (in other words, they should last the life of the engine). TTY head bolts should not be re-used, and this is definitly not an area to "cut corners" in.

The Yamaha V6 head bolts are not Torque to Yield design; and as stated they can be re-used per proper bolt inspection.