Author Topic: Head bolt confusion (Read 6336 times)

hamradio · « **on:** December 13, 2007, 04:59:00 pm »

Hi,
I'm in the process of replacing the head gasket on my '82 1.6na. It has allen head headbolts. These are the 11mm bolts, then?

According to the bentley, one can reuse the bolts? I don't really want to, though. I'd rather buy new ones. If I buy new ones, I will get the 12 point bolts, right? Are there 11mm 12 point headbolts?

ilomax · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2007, 05:51:49 pm »

You have an early style 1.6L engine, which used 11MM bolts.

Also, check the engine code. I was supposed to have a 1.6L in my Rabbit and the previous owner had a 1.5L put in.

You can reuse the 11MM bolts (They are not stretch bolts). If you don't feel comfortable, go buy some new ones (They are like $1 a piece).

Check the oil return on the front of the engine, if you can put your thumb in it, it's a 1.6L. If you can't it's a 1.5L.

hamradio · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2007, 05:54:52 pm »

Any disadvantage to using the og bolts, if they are in good shape? Are the new 11mm bolts stretch bolts?

ilomax · « **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2007, 08:40:46 pm »

If it's a 6 point head, it's a non-stretch bolt.

If it's a 12 point head, it's a stretch bolt.

I'm pretty positive 11MM never came in a stretch form.

I would personally reuse them, but you're not me.
They are thick bolts and you aren't torquing them very much.

Make sure the threads in the block and on the bolt are clean.

hamradio · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2007, 08:52:56 pm »

Ok. Thank you very much! I'll clean the head and reuse them.

dieselsnowmobile · « **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2007, 10:06:20 pm »

What's your engine code? Mine is CR and it has the 6 point allen head, so it is alo 11mm,

hamradio · « **Reply #6 on:** December 13, 2007, 10:18:21 pm »

CR, I think.

ilomax · « **Reply #7 on:** December 13, 2007, 10:45:11 pm »

Look close...
Mine is CK and it's a 1.5L.

They did make 1.6L engines with 11MM, like I said above.

saurkraut · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2007, 08:55:44 am »

My only caution to useing ANY 11mm OEM bolt is the engagement length in the block. Its woefully short.

Go ahead and put a bolt through the head and observe the lenght that protrudes.

Now make a rough measurement of the 11mm hole depth in the block.

You'll notice there is alot of hole, and not much bolt.

The Issue is, the short engagement length of the bolt tends to strip the threads in the block.

If you can afford them, Raceware has 11mm stud kits that use the entire hole depth in the block. http://www.raceware-fasteners.com/photo.htm

I have them on my 1.5td project. I have them there because I tried to reuse the stock 11mm allen bolts, and one hole stripped.

I am not the only one that has had this happen, it a common occurance. It may also happen to you.

I am in no way affiliated with Raceware. I offer this suggestion as one possible solution. I think ARP also has an 11mm stud kit, but good luck finding the right P/N.

Oh, and yes there is 11mm streach bolts. Probably the worst fastening option VW has ever offered.

ilomax · « **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2007, 11:03:26 am »

Quote from: "saurkraut"

Oh, and yes there is 11mm streach bolts. Probably the worst fastening option VW has ever offered.

Really? That is scary.

I'm scared to to take the non-stretch ones to their 50-60 ft.lbs.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #10 on:** December 14, 2007, 11:24:26 am »

Make sure there are no nicks or worn threads on the bolts. They will mes up your torque settings. Also make sure to lubricate them with the correct lubricant if specified in the manual (I've never used 11mm bolts)

Do not use a wire wheel to clean the bolts, you'll mess up the temper or something of the sorts

saurkraut · « **Reply #11 on:** December 14, 2007, 12:22:42 pm »

Quote from: "ilomax"

Quote from: "saurkraut"

Oh, and yes there is 11mm streach bolts. Probably the worst fastening option VW has ever offered.

Really? That is scary.

I'm scared to to take the non-stretch ones to their 50-60 ft.lbs.

The Allen bolts are not strech bolts.

The 11mm streach bolts have the 'tripple square head'.

They both have the same pi55 poor insetion length. Use at your own peril.

TDDrew · « **Reply #12 on:** December 14, 2007, 03:36:11 pm »

I would get some head studs if you can find them.
I'm ordering the 1.6 12mm head stud kit from raceware.

subsonic · « **Reply #13 on:** December 14, 2007, 06:48:29 pm »

I think the cheapest price was from headbolts.com ARP

TDDrew · « **Reply #14 on:** December 14, 2007, 09:39:42 pm »

Quote from: "subsonic"

I think the cheapest price was from headbolts.com ARP

I didn't see any kits that were diesel specific. Do we just use the 8valve gas kits? And which one, it doesn't say what size/length they are, and will the torque specs for the deisel and gas studs be the same?