re-use head bolts?

[Baselyne]

I was wondering If it would be possible to get by re-using a set of head bolts 1 time only....

I know they say to relpace them but would you get by with a used once set?

Probubley not because it'ssssstretch type...correct?

[Slave2School]

I wouldn't risk having to redo a job because of the head bolts causing a head gasket leak....but they probably will work.  Each time you use them and torque to vw's specs they get longer and thinner.

Here's the gist better than I can put it http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Would_it_hurt_to_reuse_the_headbolts_on_a_95_2.0_ford_contour

[Baselyne]

Right on, Thanks for that little link, That makes things seem very likly that stretch bolts are not to be re-used!

Has anyone had any experiences they'd like to share... In re-using h.bolts ? has anyone gotten away with it before?

What should a set of new IDI h.bolts be roughtly CAD?

[jimfoo]

Is it really worth reusing them? What's the cost of them not working in time and money compared to new bolts?

[jtanguay]

http://vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=12336 same *** different pile  :lol: don't re-use stretch bolts!!!

[Baselyne]

ok that's proof enough for me, Im sold on a new set that's forsure!

Were to buy in the Ont? Price roughtly?

[Vincent Waldon]

The various WorldPac vendors sell them cheap cheap cheap, and OEM to boot:

click here

[burn_your_money]

www.autopartsonlinecanada.com is where I always get my stuff. I know it's cheaper sometimes other places but these guys have excellent shipping times (except when it comes from BC, which is rare unless it's a rare part) and they have good customer service in my experience.

[saurkraut]

What Motor?

If its a 1.5, you will probably strip a hole, or bust the block in one of the corner holes.  The bolts are WAY TOO SHORT!  I really believe its a design flaw.

Nos-hit, use any style head bolt in a 1.5 at your own peril.  It will fail.

Buy either the ARP or Raceware stud kit.  They both offer 11mm stud kits.

[Op-Ivy]

I wouldn't. It is definately worth the extra bucks to get them.

[rabbitman]

I reused my head bolts and haven't had any problems, yet.  Next time I'll get new ones of course.

[Baselyne]

which engine was that in there rabbitman?

ive been wondering since im in there is there a list of other things that should be replaced> Ill be needing to get these things like pre-chambers and probubley timing belt and tensioner

what else you guys think?

[jimfoo]

Prechambers don't get replaced, unless they are trash. Then you probably have bigger problems. Crank bolt, cap, rod, head bolts and heat shields are all I can think of that has to be replaced. Timing belt and tensioner should if you don't know the miles or it's getting close, but I wouldn't replace new ones for no reason. Head gasket gets replaced as should any seals you disturb. The oil pump doesn't hurt, but if it had good pressure, I personally wouldn't bother.

[saurkraut]

FYI

Here's the Raceware 11mm studs installed in my 1.5TD.  (hot valve clearence check photo)

The ARP studs probably look similar.

[Baselyne]

So there studs then, It wont be a bolt like the one that I pulled out when removing the head?

Like fully threaded rod and a nut? or a regular bolt with a cap on the end....?

A freind of mine was using over sized drilled studs...

(They looked like the hub/lug studs that thread into the hub and put on nuts after) was this just a specific application as I think i heard him mention he drilled them and tapped them to hold a aftermarket stud kit!!!!!?

Im asking.... Do some companies make studs and some a bolt???

ARP's seem to be the best for a 1.6L re build? SOrry for all the questions, I thought at first they really were not too serious of a bolt but after reading everyones posts in this thread I do understand alot more about how much compression that new gasket is under...!

thanks everyone for your input and pictures
Props for taking the time to teach a newby