DDC

Having the head gaskets done on my '96 wrx at the moment. The garage paying for the (warranty) work say head bolts can be reused but the garage actually doing the work say they should be renewed. Who's correct?

Fast responses appreciated as I need to sort this out by tomorrow.

Thanks in advance.

Doug

Big Bear

Replace bolts

scoobyboy

i always replace them it's not worth it they are stretch bolts after all

DDC

I've been told that they're not stretch bolts - comments appreciated...

john banks

They ARE stretch bolts. Replace them no doubt. You're being fleeced.

David_Wallis

as above.. they arent even that expensive.. the only execption is headstuds

DDC

Spoke to someone at API (who seem to be well respected on here and have given me good advice in the past) today who claimed that they are not stretch bolts. Don't think the garage doing the work are fleecing me as they are telling me they are not stretch bolts, therefore making less money and putting their warranty at risk.

David (API) are listening to this thread?

APIDavid

iTrader: (4)

Slightly off the mark there DDC, They ARE stretch bolts but they last forever. Strictly speaking they should be changed but we don't and we never have a problem in that area.

Some manufacturers advise a length that they should measure to tell if they have stretched. Theoretically, if they are longer than the advised measurement chuck em away. Just we've never seen a published length for Subaru.

A VERY respected engine builder used to reuse Cosworth bolts on BDA Ford engines which according to Cossie is a no no !! He used to take out your set and drop them in a plastic container, when it was full he'd swap it with a now empty one, put it back on the bench and clean and oil the bolts and refit them. Two buckets; one emptying, one filling. He maintained once they'd had a rest, they'd be fine. He wasn't wrong either, never heard of one of his engine failing EVER.

Some engineering decisions outweigh theory and hearsay !!

David API Engines / APi Impreza

DDC

Thanks for clearing that up David.

So, in summary - they are stretch bolts but it is ok to reuse them (within reason)?

Cheers

Doug

APIDavid

iTrader: (4)

Yep.

Gidney&Knowlesy

Just read in the Subaru manual can re use at least 3 times......

DDC

Thanks for the info.

It's good to get this cleared up as it seems to be an area of confusion/debate for many owners.