Replacing old head bolts, good idea?

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

is it a good idea to replace head bolts on older motors? especially ones that have been over heated?<br /><br />Also, when you use never seize on head bolts, does the additional lubricative effect change the amount of torque? seems like they never get snug, just want to keep turning till they break!<br /><br />thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Replacing old head bolts, good idea?

Castaway,<br /><br />The amount of torque those bolts require is quite low-due to the aluminum they are going into. Thus, the bolts aren't really stressed.<br /><br />I would be more concerned about corrosion.<br /><br />Check your torque spec's. and DON'T exceed them.

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Replacing old head bolts, good idea?

would that mean that the bolts should just be cleaned up with a wire brush or crocus cloth, given a coat of some sort of anti corrosive, say, a thin coat of never seieze up to the head of the bolt and its good to go?<br /><br />also<br /><br />I am, well, was a car mechanic a half a lifetime ago, and am wondering if the car stuff is a little too heavy for the outboards ... I have a click type torque wrench, one of craftsmans best, but its big, I wonder if I should get an inch pound wrench for the heads and water pumps, etc etc etc<br /><br />that big clicker is also nearly 20 years old,would a sears service center recalibrate it? just wondering if its neccessary, eh, when the fleet is in and all is wonderful, Ill stop wondering<br /><br />for a while<br /><br />

 

[DJ]

Re: Replacing old head bolts, good idea?

Castaway, <br /><br />Yes, to both.