300TDi Head Bolts! Reuse or Bin??

**Tank** · 18th August 2009, 11:14 AM

What's the consensus on reusing 300TDi head bolts, I know the L/R Manual says "discard", but what's the view of those that have done a Head Gasket job on the 300TDi.
I am considering reusing to save some precious dollars, is it wise to do so?
I don't know if the head gasket has been replaced before (367,000+klms) or the head bolts for that matter, any and all suggestions/advice would be welcome, Regards Frank.

**Disco_owner** · 18th August 2009, 11:46 AM

Not knowing if the head gasket has ever been done before , I'd says discard

Head Bolt Kit is $49.99 inc GST.

**spudboy** · 18th August 2009, 05:53 PM

Did a head gasket on my TDi300. New bolts fitted.

2 months later, gasket pooped itself (delaminated - mfg fault), so had to do it again. Used the same (newish) head bolts again.

3 years on, no problems.

As Disco-Owner says, for $49 it's probably not worth scrimping.

**Cliffy** · 18th August 2009, 06:03 PM

They are "stretch bolts".
Depending on what manual you read they can be reused 3 -5 times.
If you haven't owned your bus from new then BUY NEW!
Good insurance policy!

**Tank** · 18th August 2009, 07:32 PM

Thanks fella's, I've ordered new bolts, better to be sure than sorry, Regards Frank.

**justinc** · 18th August 2009, 07:38 PM

The main thing to note also is don't pay too little for bolts, good quality bolt kits are a little more exxy but at least you will be guaranteed uniform bolt tensile strength

JC

**Tank** · 18th August 2009, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by justinc

The main thing to note also is don't pay too little for bolts, good quality bolt kits are a little more exxy but at least you will be guaranteed uniform bolt tensile strength

JC

JC, what sort of money for quality bolts, do you know what L/R originals cost, Regards Frank.

**justinc** · 18th August 2009, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by Tank

JC, what sort of money for quality bolts, do you know what L/R originals cost, Regards Frank.

Frank,

I have never bought LR bolts, BUT there are a few european made sets available, I think even Elring do one, and they are around the $120 mark. When you consider the fact that there are 14 bolts, all 12.9 grade and of reasonable length and diameter, then around $10 a bolt is pretty good.

I can't remember the manufacturers name, but there are a few, and there is a set from a Spanish or EU manufacturer that is good too. (Possibly the supplier to International Engines in Brazil?)

The main thing is avoid no name cheap bolts, I have seen them on offer and I would be highly suspicious of their reputation at less than $5 a bolt

JC

**p38arover** · 18th August 2009, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by Disco_owner

Not knowing if the head gasket has ever been done before , I'd says discard

Head Bolt Kit is $49.99 inc GST.

That sounds too cheap.

**Disco_owner** · 18th August 2009, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by p38arover

That sounds too cheap.

That's the price I was quoted from BMI today.

may be JC is right , that could have been quote for a no name brand , and there is variations in Tensile strength of each bolt in the cheaper kits.

but I'll make some enquiries and post it up tomorrow.

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