Replace head bolts?

94.GT.Wagon · Post by **94.GT.Wagon** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 3:54 pm

The downloaded factory service manual I'm using doesn't say anything about replacing the head bolts (I'm replacing head gaskets on '97 ej25d) but when I was comparing part prices online, Napa's site says that replacing the bolts it recommended. I'm sure some of you guys have gone both routes, what's your recommedation?

douglas vincent · Post by **douglas vincent** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 5:07 pm

Napa sells head bolts.......

Never replaced them, never had a problem....

Xander_X · Post by **Xander_X** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 6:17 pm

you should always replace head bolts when you remove the heads / a head. Head bolts are designed to stretch when you tighten them down. They do this to make sure that you get a perfect seal. They retain this shape after this. So you need new ones so you can make sure you have a good seal. Now that said, it is not uncommon that people reuse them and a large percentage of those people have no problems because sometime they have a little bit more they can stretch. Now THAT said ... do you want to take the chance?

SLODRIVE · Post by **SLODRIVE** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:13 pm

Xander_X wrote:you should always replace head bolts when you remove the heads / a head. Head bolts are designed to stretch when you tighten them down. They do this to make sure that you get a perfect seal. They retain this shape after this. So you need new ones so you can make sure you have a good seal. Now that said, it is not uncommon that people reuse them and a large percentage of those people have no problems because sometime they have a little bit more they can stretch. Now THAT said ... do you want to take the chance?

Not necessarily true , not at all. Some vehicles' head bolts are indeed "torque-to-yield" and must be replaced every time...but many, many vehicles (including EJ22s and ALL old-school V8s) use high-strength fasteners that do not appreciably stretch at all, and can be reused without any problems whatsoever, provided of course the threads are still good, hasn't corroded, etc.

gijonas · Post by **gijonas** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:58 pm

X2 dont replace them.Our head bolts are good for like 10 rebuilds.

Xander_X · Post by **Xander_X** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:00 pm

fair enough. I'm used to rebuilding Honda's and Toyota's. I'm still fairely new to the world of Subaru but definitely sold.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:40 pm

If Doug hasn't had a problem with the frequency he pulls heads, then anyone should be fine.

94.GT.Wagon · Post by **94.GT.Wagon** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:42 pm

Thanks fellas.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 11:13 pm

I too was wondering this and at the price of new OEM headbolts or ARP I would certainly take that risk by reusing them vs paying out the ass for new ones every time.

Post by **Legacy777** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:05 pm

Yeah I reused my head bolts as well. Talking with CCR engines, they reuse head bolts as well. However, do have a slightly different torquing procedure.

gijonas · Post by **gijonas** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:12 pm

However, do have a slightly different torquing procedure.

You mean something different than the rediculous voodoo torque dance we all follow from the FSM?

Post by **Legacy777** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:15 pm

gijonas wrote:
However, do have a slightly different torquing procedure.
You mean something different than the rediculous voodoo torque dance we all follow from the FSM?

Yes. I don't recall what it is though.

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Replace head bolts?

Replace head bolts?