I just had new ones installed when I had my heads replaced. I think I've finally caught a break and found a block and someone who is going to rebuild it for me. It seems like such a waste to toss the head bolts when they will have only been in use for about 1000 kms.

Thanks,

Dave

The way they work is that they stretch when they are torqued. You might be able to use them one more time but I don't think it is worth the risk for the money saved.

Risk= Head gasket failure and possible warping of heads

If they are TTY (Torque To Yield bolts), which I believe are what is used stock, then yes, you should toss them. They stretch a certain amount during install, and if you try to reuse them, you won't get the proper torque to the heads, and will then blow head gaskets. You can either buy new ones, or if you plan on having the heads off, or plan on blowing alot of head gaskets, then you can spring for some ARP ones($$$), which are reusable, because they don't stretch like the TTYs.

Woops, sorry pgguru. I started typing, and got dragged away from my desk. But, now two posts with the same answer.

I have wondered about that too, especially when working on an old truck that I just didn't want to keep throwing money at. In the end I bought new bolts because it wasn't worth the risk of time and gaskets to have a failure. I read an article on fasteners that measured clamp up pressures when torqued to spec. Second use of bolts were slightly below first and each reuse dropped markedly. Nuts showed large drop off after first use. The current method of torque plus 1/4 turn is designed to produce bolt stretch for even greater clamp up. My decision is to not reuse these bolts as they have been stressed to maximum already. I don't like it since in the old days I used to regularly reuse head bolts with out any failures. My only consolation is that no matter how many parts I have to buy, it is way cheaper than a new truck.
Rusty

Thanks guys. I was just seeing if it was goin to be possible to save a few bucks. Looks like it's not. Not worth the risk.

Dave

Oohh Dave-o, you knew the answer to this one.

Let me in on what's happenin' with the ol' girl now?