300TDi head bolts, can I re-use them?

**Tins** · 16th May 2016, 11:36 AM

There was a thread recently about reusing TD5 head bolts. This one is a little different. Simply, in the course of doing the head gasket, when tensioning, I was interrupted by an urgent phone call, and had to drop everything. When I returned I was not able to remember where I was up to ( I was halfway through the first of the 60 degree increments ). I thought I got it worked out by reapplying the 40nm tension wrench and seeing which ones still had some give, and then going on. But it's playing on my mind, and I think I need to remove them and start again. They were new bolts. The engine has not been started. Can I reuse them? I know that they're not that expensive, but I have blown the budget somewhat.
Whatever I do, this time I intend to put a dob on from a marker pen each time I complete a step so it can't happen again.

**loanrangie** · 16th May 2016, 12:53 PM

Yes, no problem at all. Mine are on their 3rd use and JC said up to 5 times.

**Tins** · 16th May 2016, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Yes, no problem at all. Mine are on their 3rd use and JC said up to 5 times.

Thanks. I thought I'd read that somewhere, but memory fades....

**Blknight.aus** · 16th May 2016, 06:12 PM

yes, up to 5 times.

however.

I reccomend only using them 3 times before you replace them. This leaves you with 2 up your sleeve if you get caught out.

but really, if you have to do the head bolts 3 times on the same engine you're either getting your moneys worth and shouldnt be so cheap OR you need to ask yourself if maybe your diagnostics and preperation work shouldnt be a little better.

**steveG** · 17th May 2016, 04:36 AM

As a side note, I usually use a paint marker on things which have a complex or critical torque. Either marking the bolt initial position or just as an indicator of a completed stage. You have full confidence at the end that they are all done, and it helps with the "got interrupted - where was I up to" scenario

Steve

**Tins** · 18th May 2016, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

yes, up to 5 times.

however.

I reccomend only using them 3 times before you replace them. This leaves you with 2 up your sleeve if you get caught out.

but really, if you have to do the head bolts 3 times on the same engine you're either getting your moneys worth and shouldnt be so cheap OR you need to ask yourself if maybe your diagnostics and preperation work shouldnt be a little better.

That last line is precisely why I want to reuse them this time. I'm 95% sure it's ok, which isn't enough.

**Blknight.aus** · 18th May 2016, 08:03 PM

If you havent gotten past teh first 60 degrees you havent yet gotten to the yeild part and are only doing the initial set.

effectively you havent used the bolts for this isntall.

if it helps

check this thread. the markings you put on for the angle toquing process in this method will prvent you from loosing your place.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-t...op-basics.html

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300TDi head bolts, can I re-use them?

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