Re-Using Head Bolts
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 129
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From: Salem, OR
Re-Using Head Bolts
I'm getting ready to swap the 460 into my 78 F-250, and I have a question regarding the head bolts. I'm going to be replacing the head gaskets while I have the engine out since I saw some white smoke when I ran the motor. Can I re-use the head bolts that I take off the motor? If not, where could I get a decently priced set (stock replacements)?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 171
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service manual
If you can get access to a service manual it will have the answer in it, Probably you can, modern engines use torque to yield bolts.
Chase the holes the block with the correct sized tap so the bolts thread into a clean hole. A thread chasing tap would be ideal, but if you cannot find one, a bottoming tap will do. Try to find a used tap, if you cannot get a chase tap. It will cut less metal fron the threads.
Chase the holes the block with the correct sized tap so the bolts thread into a clean hole. A thread chasing tap would be ideal, but if you cannot find one, a bottoming tap will do. Try to find a used tap, if you cannot get a chase tap. It will cut less metal fron the threads.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 8
From: Union, Washington
If you can get access to a service manual it will have the answer in it, Probably you can, modern engines use torque to yield bolts.
Chase the holes the block with the correct sized tap so the bolts thread into a clean hole. A thread chasing tap would be ideal, but if you cannot find one, a bottoming tap will do. Try to find a used tap, if you cannot get a chase tap. It will cut less metal fron the threads.
Chase the holes the block with the correct sized tap so the bolts thread into a clean hole. A thread chasing tap would be ideal, but if you cannot find one, a bottoming tap will do. Try to find a used tap, if you cannot get a chase tap. It will cut less metal fron the threads.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 201
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The 1/2" head bolts used in the 385's are tough and certainly can be reused. That said, if I were building a rod I'd go for new bolts, otherwise don't worry about it.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
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i just reused mine an upper-end rebuild!!!! hit them with a wire wheel and like was said chase the holes with a tap
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