Where to find 11mm head bolts not studs

[Clayton]

I am working on a head gasket job on my 1.6D but I cannot find 11mm head bolts anywhere...I am not really interested in the ARP studs as they are quite pricey. Does anyone know where I can get 11mm bolts ...seems only 1981 used them and only for a limited time.

[ORCoaster]

I have purchased them over the counter at Halsey Automotive in Portland, OR.  They ship anywhere.  I was going to link you to their website but they say on their facebook page that is being redone so here is their number. 

Come see us or give us a call 503-256-0182

[theman53]

as often as the headbolts crack I would opt to spend the money on studs.

[libbydiesel]

I wouldn't ever assemble an 11mm engine with bolts.  They're not even worth assembling with studs, IMO, but 75%+ of the time, if using bolts, the block will crack.  Seriously.  At least studs reduce that a little bit. 

Regardless, the 11mm bolts are not TTY bolts and can be reused.  There is no advantage to replacing them unless they are damaged. 

[theman53]

I have heard of guys using gasser stretch bolts...again, I wouldn't assemble an 11mm without studs.

[SR Heer]

Are the 11mm VW diesel head bolts non-stretch bolts that use a no 10mm Allen wrench?
Are the 12mm VW diesel head bolts stretch bolts that use a no 12mm 12 point set?

I have at least on one occasion in past used the 10mm Allen wrench head bolts with no ill affects -
I didn't realize they were problematic - has anyone here on forum actually had them strip or snap/break?

Thanks for info!

[vanbcguy]

Lots of cracked 11mm blocks on here yes.

Correct, the 11mm bolts are non stretch and can be reused while the 12mm bolts are single use.

[air-cooled or diesel]

Are the 11mm VW diesel head bolts non-stretch bolts that use a no 10mm Allen wrench?

any allen bolt has more chance of stripping that most bolts; if you have an option for a better bolt-head-pattern, use it!, when taking these allen bolts out becareful and take it easy,,some and try not to strip;
for other purposes 8 point and torx are much better
about the only place id only use allen bolts are at the soft intake manifold, which steel going into aluminum threads, its like 18ftlbs, its ok there, you dont want it very tight,
i think the intake manifold bolts &the cv bolts are the same size; of course cv bolts(inner) are 8 or 12 pt & hardened, dont mix them up

[fatmobile]

If you are concerned about price:
 Many of the gasser VWs used the same studs and I can find them used on the vortex for cheaper than new and studs are reuseable.
 The stock 11mm headbolts are also reuseable and I've never had one strip out or crack but I have seen many that have,.. they are too short and put too much pressure on a small area. 12mm bolts were also longer.

 The 11mm headbolts weren't just used in '81,.. they were used up until half way through '81.

[RabbitJockey]

you are best off using the money and time you will spend on studs and a headgasket on a new engine instead.  i tried using studs and the block still cracked.