Can you reuse engine head bolts?

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asked Jul 24, 2020 in Repairs/Maintenance by epointer (320 points)
Can you reuse engine head bolts?

On my 1993 Chevy Silverado 1500 truck with a 5.7 l engine I need to replace the head gaskets on the engine.

The parts store when I bought head gaskets said that I had to replace the head bolts as well but right now all I had was enough money for the head gaskets and valve cover gaskets.

When I removed the engine heads yesterday the head bolts looked okay but I'm trying to wait and see if I really should replace the head bolts or use the old ones?

Is it true that new head bolts are required when replacing the head gaskets or can I reuse the old head bolts?

The head bolts came out easy and the threads look just fine as well.

The head bolts are $25.00 a set and it would be around $53.00 alone just for both sides of head bolts.

I can't really afford that right now because I'm laid off work and still need my truck.

I could barely afford to replace the head gaskets as that was near $50.00 itself.

1 Answer

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answered Jul 24, 2020 by Mechanic21 (29,150 points)
Only the TTY or Torque To Yield Bolts need to be replaced when replacing head gaskets.

The TTY or Torque To Yield Bolts will stretch when you torque the engine head down and apply torque to the bolts.

That is what keeps the head secured tightly to the engine.

Since your truck is a 1993 with the old Chevy 350 5.7 l engine in it they don't use the TTY Torque To Yield Bolts.

The old Chevy 350 5.7 engines use standard bolts for bolting the engine head down.

It's recommended to put new head bolts in the Chevy 350 engine when replacing the head gaskets but if you cannot afford the head bolts you can reuse the old head bolts.

I've replaced head gaskets on vehicles such as your and even my old truck that is a 1992 with the same engine and reused the head bolts.

I've never had any issue reusing the old head bolts.

Just make sure you torque the head bolts in the proper pattern and to the proper torque specs using a torque ratchet and you'll be fine.

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