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DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: laernu on July 22, 2009, 05:54:28 PM

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: laernu on July 22, 2009, 05:54:28 PM

91 BMW 318is

I wanted to know if i could use my old head bolts after removing the bolts.. If not where can i get the Head Bolts. And also what do i have to torque it to? I need these by friday cause i get my head back from the shop so i can put it back together lol

Please and Thanks
-Mike

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: romeomike on July 22, 2009, 06:45:18 PM

You'll need new ones, part number is 11-12-1-721-939, pelicanparts.com (El Segundo, CA) has a set of 10 for 12.25 + shipping.

You may find other online vendors closer to where you live.

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: laernu on July 22, 2009, 06:55:58 PM

do you know how much i have to torque them down to?

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: romeomike on July 22, 2009, 09:48:11 PM

24 ft-lbs, then one-quarter turn, then a final quarter-turn. Torque order and specifications from the Chilton repair manual:


*7-5-1-3-9
10-4-2-6-8   ----> Front of engine

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: laernu on July 22, 2009, 11:04:47 PM

sorry but im kind of confused when you mean turn it another quarter turn you mean while on 24ft/lb?

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: papercutout on July 24, 2009, 02:03:21 AM

No, with a big bar, turn them all 90 degree's after doing the 24ft-lbs, then do them another 90 degree's. Its just a funny BMW technique of torquing down in stages. Can't remember Nm off the top of my head though.

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: 1991 E30 M42 on July 24, 2009, 03:05:25 AM

That's not just BMW, that's just about everything that doesn't have studs.

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: P. Kennedy on August 14, 2009, 03:32:37 PM

^ True.  In the Bentley manuals, they even have pictures and references to a protractor type thingy that you lay under your wrench to ensure the 90 degree increments.  Not that anybody would have one.  :rolleyes:

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: 3bvert on August 14, 2009, 03:39:01 PM

Quote from: laernu;75729

sorry but im kind of confused when you mean turn it another quarter turn you mean while on 24ft/lb?

the head botls are not torqued to a "final torque" that you can read on a gauge/bar.  It is a stretch bolt, thus the sequence listed above
and you dont "tretorque" miles later either
when they stretch they actually thin out a bit , and can not be reused

invest in a good bentley manual, amazon .com had them a few weeks ago for about 44 shipped. its the best manual you can get for the cars, generally
unfortuantely you have a mid life car. the manual covers everything but the engine
the engione is covered in the e36 manual
or you can get it on line, I downloaded just the benley e36 manual section, just for that engine

Title: Can I use old head bolts after removing
Post by: JoeDellio on August 14, 2009, 05:11:18 PM

I have used stock head "bolts" on my DSM running 15lbs on a 16g. They were also meant to be a one time use bolt, I used them like 6 times before I bought ARP's to run 22psi. Im sure they will hold fine, but why not replace them anyways.