Head bolts can I re-use them?
- Thread starter temo
- Start date
BrokenTalon27
W.F.O
Honda allows for head bolts to be reused once as long as they still meet specs(i.e. have not stretched beyond spec). Also the torquing procedure will be slightly different if you reuse rather than get new headbolts. A repair manual will have the factory specs for this particular issue. I don't know the specs off the top of my head.
Slow_Teggy
New Member
Yes you can per-say, but I would not recommend it, rather pay $120 for some headstuds than have a lifted head.
95B18BTurbo
New Member
No to argue with Muckman because he knows his shit, but there is no way in hell I would reuse OEM headbolts. Spend the $100-120 on ARP headstuds and do it right the first time.
BigMac88
Fat guy in a little 'teg
This is correct. I've re-used head bolts on multiple B18's when doing quick head gasket repairs for friends in the past. I just put my current motor back together with stock head bolts as well - and it got a mild top end build that will be seeing some track duty. I feel confident reusing them. That being said, if you want to do it 'properly', you can measure for stretch. But OEM head bolts are not torque-to-yield, like say a small block Chevy, so you can in fact reuse them once or twice without issue. If you want to be safe, get some ARP head studs. That's what I'll be doing next time I take the head off of my engine.The service manual does not call for replacement of the head bolts.
Aussie
Zoom-Zoom
I remember bringing this up in the past and getting hammered, funny how people's opinions change daily on here. Again though, I've reused bolts over and over without any problems.The service manual does not call for replacement of the head bolts.