Engine Swap Problems

[fspGTD]

I keep the 12- point bolts.  They are very high quality, very high strength bolts you could only really match their strength (grade 12.9) with an alternate style, at best.  Considering most 8mm bolts only see 15-ft lbs max torque, might make you respect the 33-ft lbs CV bolts more.  This is an ungoldly amount of torque for an 8mm bolt!

Considering the stress these bolts get placed under, it shouldn't be surprising that their splines get gauled up a little bit from each installation/removal cycle.  Although I find they can be used more than once, I probably wouldn't use them more than 2-3 times.  I clean their splines and after removing them, inspect their splines closely to see how badly they are gauled up.  I toss bolts having badly gauled up splines and replace them with new bolts.  If the splines are in decent enough shape, I re-use them.

I always use a torque wrench when installing them, and double-check they are all torqued up to specs, and I've yet to have any loosen up on me.

[dieseldan]

My friend's Jetta had the bolts get loose which caused them to be damaged.  Aside from the 12 point head, these are class 12.9 high strength bolts which should only be replaced with the same type.  These are easy to find as many German cars use them including most Audi and water cooled Porsche.  Try to clean the holes out with a pic to make sure you have full contact before loosening tight bolts.  I have stripped one by not doing this.     Daniel