Reusing Head Bolts, Why Not Example

cntinuum

Registered User
Okay, this is not a SC 3.8 V6 head butt one can see what happens when head bolts are reused. This is from a 1999 Escort with 10,000 on a rebuilt head. This work was done by a "professional" mechanic. The head bolts looked to be reused IMO. They were rusty and had corroded threads to the point that a die would cross thread on them. I would have replaced with ARP studs but that kit costs as much or morte than the one for our engines! If I was turbo'ing the engine, I might consider it.
1999head_zpse716912a.jpg


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Pretty ugly eh?
-Dave
 
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although not recommended unless you check how far they have stretched. i have reused the headbolts on my old 3.8L LX and never had any trouble, but they were within the stretch limits. the 1.9L heads on escorts are known for warping, which is what that looks like
 
Yeah I dont get it. On our BMW's that i work on every day, any fastner that is critical (meaning it holds head to block, pulley to crank ect ect are all one time use.

we dont even bother with them, remove them and toss them in trash.

Almost every motor I have built I used new head bolts at a min, or studs like my SC. Its just cheap insurance and piece of mind over reusing old bolts. And NAPA stocks almost all bolts i have ever wanted from fel-pro, or arp.
 
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