Stretch bolts... reuse them?

[BozemanboB]

Hi again. Since I got the new timing belt on, I'm beginning the reassembly process. Yea!

What do you all think about reusing stretch bolts? You know, the funny-colored bolts that hold on miscellaneous little things like engine mounts. And serp-belt wheels on crank shafts. And other things like that.

I've seen some posts that say "reuse them", but I want to know more about what others think, particularly those who have done their own timing belts.

Thanks again!

[kcfoxie]

We just did mine; and I recall reading to get new ones. I bought a kit from someone on the ORG, it had some extra things that I ended up needing (new drain plug with washers, thermostat, fuel filter) but it did not come with new stretch bolts. I was a bit concerned, but after thinking about it.. i decided they've got to get to work on Monday. I couldn't get the topmost bolt to line back up, so I want to try and re-align it and I am going to put new ones in then. For now, Charlie is happy with his new coolant and belt! Good luck -- it's a bear, my buddies and I managed to do it in 1 day.

[Metal Man]

I replace them and include them with my kits. I do think the weak link with the mount is the aluminum bracket the bolts thread into. I've had the threads pull out of the bracket when removing the bolts on the first belt change and also had the threads pull loose when tightening them the last 1/4 turn.
I repair the threads with Heli coils with good results.

[Buglover]

Allways replace them,Unless you are looking to do the job over again.

[BozemanboB]

Metalman,

Just went to your website...

Sounds like I could reuse the existing bolts and then replace them after getting the new bolts, no? Wouldn't be TOO much hassle as long as I don't strip any threads, of course.

The car is in my neighbor's garage right now, and I don't want to leave it in its current state until I get new bolts, you see.

Thanks again!!


boB