e30m3 0 Posted February 2, 2006 Think i've done my head gasket again. Does anyone know if the head bolts should be replaced every time you change the head on a 1.6 GTI? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jochem 0 Posted February 2, 2006 They should, because they stretch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miamistu 1 Posted February 2, 2006 Yeah, you definately should - and they're dirt cheap anyway so why risk reusing them? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e30m3 0 Posted February 2, 2006 Cheers for the replies, i'll make sure i change them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PumaRacing 2 Posted February 2, 2006 If you use the Peugeot tightening spec which stretches them a lot then they need replacing each time. I don't use that spec on my engines though. 75 ft lbs in three equal stages (25, 50 then 75) takes the bolts to the point just before they stretch, provides plenty of clamping force and you can reuse the bolts. The threads and under the head of the bolt must be well greased with moly grease before fitting whichever method you use. It also pays to run a tap through the threads in the block each time to make sure they are clean and not bunged up with corrosion. A serviceable tap for this purpose can be made from an old headbolt by grinding three flutes into the threads on the edge of a sharp grinding wheel so it looks like a normal tap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmat 0 Posted February 2, 2006 If you use the Peugeot tightening spec which stretches them a lot then they need replacing each time. I don't use that spec on my engines though. 75 ft lbs in three equal stages (25, 50 then 75) takes the bolts to the point just before they stretch, provides plenty of clamping force and you can reuse the bolts. The threads and under the head of the bolt must be well greased with moly grease before fitting whichever method you use. It also pays to run a tap through the threads in the block each time to make sure they are clean and not bunged up with corrosion. A serviceable tap for this purpose can be made from an old headbolt by grinding three flutes into the threads on the edge of a sharp grinding wheel so it looks like a normal tap. Is this also the case for mi head bolts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miles 331 1 Cars Posted February 2, 2006 Yes the same goes for the Mi block Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevec205gti 0 Posted February 3, 2006 Follwing on from PumaRacing's thread - I did this following his advice after snapping a head bolt trying to torque it up the haynes manual way and have had no probs with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites