Head bolts

[jwdvy4]

Hello,

I am changing my head gasket and I was wondering if anyone knew if I had to get new head bolts or if i can just reuse the old ones. Autozone doesn't even have new ones available and O'Reilly's doesn't either. Please help if you can.

[jpdocdave]

i'd get new ones, most vehicles require it, some older ones can be checked to see if the bolts are ok, but most of our trucks are pretty old, best bet is get new ones. thats what i did.

[terrawombat]

I'm replacing the head gasket on my '01 XJ and I opted to get new head bolts, however, the field service manual does not say it is necessary unless the bolts have already been used once before. If they have been removed before, the mechanic should have painted the tops of the head bolts white to indicate they were reused - but that doesn't mean he/she DID.

[mjeff87]

X2 on the single reuse

 

The bolts are called torque-to-yeild (TTY) and can be reused one time (and should be marked if so). But, if in doubt, I'd replace them. Be warned, they are not cheap.......about $8 EACH from the dealer.

 

Don't forget to add sealant to the threads on #11 as it passes thru the water jacket.

 

Jeff

[terrawombat]

I got mine from RockAuto for about $25/set.

[fiatslug87]

I would defiantly use new ones. On a previous vehicle I broke one getting it out, I was poor at the time so I bought one to replace it. On the install I broke another, had to pull the head back off and then decided to purchase a complete new set. Luckily they broke above the block so a pair of vise grips got them out.

[dutch1]

I just got a set for O Reillys for 2.5 :wrench: