Can i reuse head bolts?

[n00b]

So, I have a jdm b18cr, have skunk2 stage 2 cams, valves and retainers.

My question is, since I am doing the valves (head must be removed) should I just get a new set of head bolts? or is it safe to reuse them?

Also, will I need to get grinding paste for the new valves?

Thanks.

[u mad?]

Aslong as dey not stretched son

[mocchi]

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/customavatars/avatar28865_10.gif

[Setanta]

You "can" but I don't. I prefer peace of mind and by the time I've taken a set out and had them tested I might as well have just bought new ones (OEM or ARP). I hate torquing a head down ony to get the feeling that one doesn't quite "feel right".

[n00b]

Any tool to tell if they are stretched? I think I'll just get a set of new ones. Know where I can get them?

And will them valves need grinding with grinding compound?

[iNfusi0n]

^ Usually head bolts have a yield point and torquing them down will pass this point. Once passed they will be out.

Best bet get a new set.

[DVS-00R]

Do not re-use them, get new ones.

[EKVTIR-T]

Get some ARP for piece of mind

nothing worse than later saying shoulda woulda coulda m8

[mocchi]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O96AUlIBkU8

you need proper stretch on the bolts. not just about the lbft reading on your wrench

[curtis265]

^ Usually head bolts have a yield point and torquing them down will pass this point. Once passed they will be out.

Best bet get a new set.

agreed, i'm sure they were quite close to their yield point, go for new ones



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O96AUlIBkU8

you need proper stretch on the bolts. not just about the lbft reading on your wrench
i'm sure the lbft reading on the wrench corresponds to a particular tension on the bolt........... when in brand new condition

[curtis265]

Get some ARP for piece of mind

nothing worse than later saying shoulda woulda coulda m8

i also cannot agree with this more

when building an engine it's critical that you don't stuff anything up

[mocchi]

i'm sure the lbft reading on the wrench corresponds to a particular tension on the bolt........... when in brand new condition

now i know why manual says need to lube crankshaft bolt on the washer

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/customavatars/avatar28865_10.gif

[cbauto]

some advice from emechanics here

[na-118]

you can re use them, i reuse them on heavy machinery and diesel and small petrol engines no jobs have come back from headbolts failure,

no need to spend money where you don't have to

unless the heads been off more than 5 times

[gen2 CRX]

Ive re used without any problems..

[cbauto]

agree with above 2 posts.

can't coment for op because don't know history of engine.

[cbauto]

some of the comments from some people that never torqued a head down.

[na-118]

yeah pretty basic diyers.

need some first hand experience instead of listening to other people, and spending that money for extra insurance it's all bull

[JDM DC2R]

Can i reuse head bolts?

Believe and any things possible. Should you is a different question!

[Setanta]

yeah pretty basic diyers.

need some first hand experience instead of listening to other people, and spending that money for extra insurance it's all bull

I guess 28 years of working on my own cars including full motor rebuilds on 4s, 6s and eights doesn't count? I'll always go for the insurance :)

[dougie_504]

They're not expensive in the scheme of the build. I would simply ask, why not replace? We're not talking about thousands and if you can't spare another couple of hundred then you shouldn't be rebuilding it - just replace with a used engine.

[cbauto]

different schools of thought for different applications

there is no right or wrong.

budget repair I would reuse.
13:1 monster build, I would go ARP

[SU-WOOP]

all head bolts that are (tty) torque to yield are a double hex head
i reuse most on hondas after i inspect them
compare length- a stretched bolt will be longer
pitting-any corrosion on the thread will make it weaker
roll them to make sure theyre not buckled
use arp extreme pressure grease or copper grease on the thread and mating surfaces of the washer
and be sure to clean the bolt holes in the block as debris will give a false reading and water in the holes can cause hydro lock and give u a bad reading
hondas are pretty easy no 60 degree this loosen then re-torque

[u mad?]

you can re use them, i reuse them on heavy machinery and diesel and small petrol engines no jobs have come back from headbolts failure,

no need to spend money where you don't have to

unless the heads been off more than 5 timesyou a fitter?

Cusses at work reuse em, as long as theyer within tollerance

But if it were me id change em for peace of mind lmzo.