Head Bolts..Can I reuse?

Mk1 Clipper Cab, so its a 1.8 Carb.

Can I reuse the headbolts?

I know on my 16V they're stretch bolts, but I had a look at the bolts for the clipper at a parts place and they don't look like stretch bolts….

Hope I can reuse them, want to keep costs down on this one 8)

Dave

No, get new bolts.

So they're definitely stretch bolts?

Or just for good practice?

Looking at them I couldn't see where they stretched, whenever i've seen stretchers they have specific areas weakened to stretch by the correct amount.  Well any vaguely decent engineer should design them like that anyway, lol.

Just wondering, I understand its good practice to change them  8), i'll prob replace anyway to be sure

Have just been informed they are def Stretch Bolts by the parts place.

 :y:

I dont know of any engines with re-usable head bolts…

They all become unusable doe to the strain weakening the thread. To be honest, for the price of head bolts ist worth it, if you use the same ones then you could get through another hg quickly, warp the head due to the gasket not being properly sealed. which is expensive.

What are you doing to your car? Changing the head gasket? Do you know the head bolt tighten sequence? And the correct torque setting?

YEAH MOST IF NOT ALL HEAD BOLTS ARE STRETCH BUT I HAVE RE-USED BOLTS EVEN THO IT WAS A 1.3 MK2 AND HAD NO OPTION. WAS FINE!


BUT STILL NOT RECOMMENDED

Yes they're stretch bolts and technically you should replace them each time. But, if for example you've used them, put it all back together and the engine's only run for half an hour or so, they'd probably be okay to use again.

Even if they have been used for 5 miles they should be replaced,the tightening sequence actually stretches the bolt so once fitted throw away,some cars can be reused,it depends what the technical data book says,but good practice and not wanting one to snap one…..change them.
Bert

On that point Bert, sorry to steal topic original poster, i am due to replace head gasket, are mine the same as 1.5, 1.6 block etc
Pete :wink:

Yes pedders the same mate
Bert

i heard if u boil them in oil the will un stretch but unsure if this true or not?!?