Do you reuse head bolts?

[halfmoa]

Re: Do you reuse head bolts?

the AutoZone guy AND Summit Racing sales rep told me they were during a visit/phone call.

Asking the Autozone guy about this is like asking the Walmart sporting goods clerk about trajectory and penetration of ammunition...

 

[thumpar]

Re: Do you reuse head bolts?

Asking the Autozone guy about this is like asking the Walmart sporting goods clerk about trajectory and penetration of ammunition...

+1 They barely know anything about cars. I would never ask them about a marine engine. The only auto store that I somewhat trust for advise would be NAPA.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Do you reuse head bolts?

Holy crap, this is going on and on like an oil thread. Just clean and use the damn bolts.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Do you reuse head bolts?

For SBC thread sealant I use Permatex thread sealer with teflon, been using it successfully for years, clean the threads both bolts and block, a little oil under the bolt head and torque in proper sequence to 65 ft lb.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Do you reuse head bolts?

I asked the question with the understanding that the head bolts were TTY. The AutoZone guy AND Summit Racing sales rep told me they were during a visit/phone call....

the guy who machined and prepped my block ... said nonsense, they were NOT stretch bolts.

And which of these do you think actually knows what they are talking about?

As mentioned by nearly everyone here - go ahead and reuse the bolts. And no offense, but you are also over thinking the sealing of the bolts. I use Permatex Aviation Sealant - and sometimes Permatex #2 if that is the only thing handy.

(But that is a little bit like saying I use xyz brand of motor oil - )

If you are still in a quandary, and don't have any of the recommended perfect seal, or don't want to buy any, then ask your machinist for his opinion

 

[riskibusiness]

Re: Do you reuse head bolts?

I know I'm a few days late on this thread. But I have always used new bolts just because I dont want that funny tingle down my neck everytime I start whatever engine it is I have done a gasket on. I'm not saying its needed, just that I feel better about it. No specific exact mechanical reason. Just my ocd I guess. Oh and that is just an opinion yes. and bolts are alot cheaper than another head gasket kit not to mention the time you could waste

 

[Don S]

Re: Do you reuse head bolts?

The point of this thread was not to ask if you use new bolts or not, that is totally up to the individual.
The question was if (on a Chevy Vortec 350) it was necessary to replace them since they were TTY bolts. They are not TTY bolts, and it's not necessary to replace them.