Reusing head bolts?

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  • deansbimmer
    Mod Crazy
    • Feb 2005
    • 674
    #1

    Reusing head bolts?

    I just found out that I'm replacing my head gasket this weekend and am told that I absolutely must replace the head bolts. I understand that they are torque-yield bolts, but can I not just retorque them down until I get new bolts? I have to do this this weekend but no one in Texas has them in stock...

    Any input on the subject?
    Tags: None
    • lordofthewaters
      Mod Crazy
      • Oct 2005
      • 714
      #2
      They are "stretch bolts" so they should NOT be reused. As it was explained to me anyway. BMW recommends replacing the hex head bolts with the torx head bolts anyway.
      Last edited by lordofthewaters; 08-18-2006, 01:43 PM.

      Sarcasm is a body's natural defense against stupid.
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        Comment

        • Mike325
          No R3VLimiter
          • Mar 2006
          • 3685
          #3
          Originally posted by lordofthewaters
          They are "stretch bolts" so they should NOT be reused. As it was explained to me anyway. BMW recommends replacing the hex head bolts with the torx head bolts anyway.
          Yep, never reuse internal engine bolts and stuff.
          Originally posted by cabriodster87
          "Honey? What color is this wire? Is it the same as that one? Are you sure? I don't believe it. OK, it works. Thank you sweetie."
          Originally posted by Kershaw
          i've got a boner and a desire to speed.

            Comment

            • deansbimmer
              Mod Crazy
              • Feb 2005
              • 674
              #4
              I agree and I am trying to find a set. I would not reuse them If I had a choice. My choices are coming down to the following since I cant find any on such short notice:

              -Install the old bolts temporarily until new ones can arrive through the mail...

              -Wait to do the repair until next weekend and enjoy public transportation until then.

              Is it that they flat out wont work anymore? Or that they will loosen over a short amount of time? Thanks guys

                Comment

                • AndrewBird
                  The Mad Scientist
                  • Oct 2003
                  • 11897
                  #5
                  If you do use them and replace them later, you will also have to replace the head gasket again as well.

                    Comment

                    • deansbimmer
                      Mod Crazy
                      • Feb 2005
                      • 674
                      #6
                      What if I replace one bolt at a time?

                        Comment

                        • DanielHStout
                          Wrencher
                          • Jun 2006
                          • 294
                          #7
                          If you reuse them there is a high risk of breaking a bolt which is not cool!

                          1989 325iX
                          1995 540i
                          1986 325eS R.I.P.
                          1984 325e R.I.P.

                            Comment

                            • RobertK
                              Kicked cancer's ASS.
                              • Jun 2005
                              • 5864
                              #8
                              Do it right the first time or go post on Bf.c

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