[Vwdiesel] [Audi-VW-Diesels] Head Bolts and more

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/6/2011 9:09:15 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
davevw at yahoo.com writes:

> Hmm, so do I use the reuseable bolts, or do I use the stretch bolts that 
> are presumably on the way?  My inclination is that VW thought the stretch 
> ones were better and that is why they went that way.

  I've heard of using the gas stretch bolts for supposedly better 
head gasket retention than the non stretch bolts but never had 
anybody really be able to verify they're better.  I usually just add 
5 lbs to the torque, be sure you chased the holes, cleaned the 
threads and put a couple drops of oil on them and the washer 
to head contact as well.

> 
> Also, I just noticed that the rod bolts are stretch bolts.  Wish I would 
> have realized that when I put in the big order including bearings. 
> 
> 
  Actually the 1.5, 1.6 rod bolts aren't stretch.  Some references 
say it is, some don't comment (implying they aren't).  I finally got 
someone that knew (forget who now) that stopped for a second 
and thought about it then said the gassers are but the diesels 
aren't.  I've never replaced one, have redlined mine quite often 
and have never had a problem with a rod, ever.
  Just like one machinist told me to throw away the 914 exhaust 
valves and replace them.  Standard practice when rebuilding an 
air cooled VW engine.  I protested, asking if he knew what those 
things cost!  I said they were about $70 each (as I recall).  He 
said bah! and said I still have to.  I asked why and it turns out it 
has to do with the way they're put together and the heads can 
drop off.  I then pointed out they were sodium filled...  He paused, 
and said "oh, that's right!  Ok, you can grind them then, forget what 
I said."
    Loren