Re-using head bolts
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 169
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From: Florida
Re-using head bolts
Does anyone know if the head bolts for an '89 351W are "torque to yield" or do you think I could reuse them? I'm in the process of replacing my heads for a blown head gasket. The bolts look just fine, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I plan on doing a complete rebuild in the next 6 - 8 months so they don't have to last for another ten years or anything. Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Minnesota
I've always been told to replace them, because they stretch when you torque them. With that said, I have reused them several times, but that was on old junkers that weren't worth the cost of a new set.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 489
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If they have washers built into the bolt, they are TTY, if the washers are seperate they are regular and could be reused. Don't reuse TTY as they will let go on you. A new set is $15 at autozone and if you hold the new one up to the old one you will see how much they do stretch.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Florida
I looked around and about the cheapest I could find them was in the $40 range. For $15 I'd definently replace them, but for $40 I'm not so sure. I don't remember them having any washers with them though, so I guess I may not have a choice. Thanks!
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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Your bolts are fine to reuse when they are cleaned and oiled. I always run a high quality die over my critical engine bolts to make sure the threads are good.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 169
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From: Florida
Well alright then! You just saved me $40. I was going to tap all my bolt hole's out so I might as well check the bolts with a die also. Hadn't really thought about that till now. Thanks!
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