RE: Reuse of head bolts ...

["Dupree, Jim" <dupree@alldata.com>]

At the VW/Audi engine rebuilding training course I took it was made quite
clear to us that the 6 pt bolts were no longer to be used, replace them with
new 12 pt bolts anytime the bolts were removed. The 12 pt bolts are indeed
stretch bolts and that is why they must be replaced in complete sets,
apparently they stretch slightly different each time and a mixed set of new
and old bolts would give uneven clamping force on the head. The 12 pt bolts
are reusable, I don't know how many times a set can safely be reused. 
According to Audi/VW the 6 pt bolts were also reusable, but they were not
stretch bolts and they were not as reliable and consistent for even clamping
forces. 
And yes the 12 pt bolts DO NOT require re-toque after 1000 miles except the
diesel engines.
Six pt bolts DO require re-torque after 1000 miles since they don't stretch
they can not compensate for the slight compression of the head gasket that
occurs in the first 100 miles.
I have reused many sets of 12 pt head bolts and I know of no failures
related to the bolts.
Take car 
Jim Dupree


		-----Original Message-----
		From:	isham-research.freeserve.co.uk@pop.pol.net.uk
[mailto:isham-research.freeserve.co.uk@pop.pol.net.uk]
		Sent:	Sunday, November 21, 1999 4:00 PM
		To:	frankbauer@thevine.net; quattro@audifans.com
		Subject:	Re: Reuse of head bolts ...

		> my understanding is that if your bolts have the 12-point
spline heads on
		> them they are not stretch bolts and can be reused.

		My understanding is exactly the opposite.

		--
		 Phil Payne
		 UK Audi quattro Owners Club
		 Phone +44 7785 302803  Fax +44 870 0883933