Head Bolts

[tomoco1]

I have a 2003 1500HD 4X4 with the 6.0. I had to remove the head to replace the farthest back exhaust bolt which broke off flush with the head. The removal of the broken bolt went well with an easy out.

What is the thought process behind replacing the cylinder head bolts when removed. I noticed in the Chilton manual it's highlighted in bold print DO NOT REUSE or REPLACE WITH NEW.

The torque requirement is so low compared to older cast iron heads there should be little stretching taking place. Is it because of the aluminum heads?

[bill190]

I always replace screws, nuts, bolts for ANYTHING if the old are damaged. This makes my life a LOT easier the next time I need to take it apart.

 

And if it says to use new bolts, I would follow that advice!

 

This is from my experience working on motorcycles and having cruddy cheap bolts snap off when I tried to reuse them. (Not fun... )

[mtm700]

You must replace the head bolts, they are torque to yeild. Once you torque them down in sequence, you have to go back and angle torque them in sequence. This stretches the bolts, they will eventually break or will not tighten to the proper torque spec if reused.