New Headbolts - Do I really need them?

[88_Eddie]

Ok, so like the title says, do i really need to get new headbolts? they're about $45 for the new kit from autozone. i'm putting the stock heads back on, it's going on my 88 BII 2.9 4x4. just wondering. also, anyone have any suggestions for new exhaust manifold bolt? 5 or 6 broke off in the heads cause they were so rusted on. thanks

 

[Nater]

I would splurge for the headbolts. Especially if they are TTY. Seen a couple of people here that were cheap and did reuse them, either the same day or a couple of days later they were kicking themselves for not getting new headbolts....of course those were TTY bolts.

 

[kcm1582]

The head bolts are torque to yield. Once used they need to be replaced.

 

[88_Eddie]

ugh.....fine, i dont wanna have to redo everything after i put it back in....thanks guys

 

[Big Jim M]

Torque to yeild... This means when reaching near the required torque the bolts STREACH in the length that is inside the HEAD.. This means that as the head expands and contracts frim heat cycles and also from the head gasket possibly shrinking the bolts have a rubber band effect keeping the required torque on the gasket..
Now if the bolts are fairly new I WILL reuse them.. However if the engine is 22 years old as yours seems to be.. I wouldn't even think of reusing the head bolts..
Big JIm

 

[Bob Ayers]

Torque to yeild... This means when reaching near the required torque the bolts STREACH in the length that is inside the HEAD.. This means that as the head expands and contracts frim heat cycles and also from the head gasket possibly shrinking the bolts have a rubber band effect keeping the required torque on the gasket..
Now if the bolts are fairly new I WILL reuse them.. However if the engine is 22 years old as yours seems to be.. I wouldn't even think of reusing the head bolts..
Big JIm

I disagree, it isn't an age issue, it's if they have been previously used. If they have, replace them.

 

[88_Eddie]

they are probably 10-11 years old. a headgasket went out back when i was in high school. i'm gonna get some new ones.