Head Gasket inquiry...

[99CherrySE]

Hey all!
This has probably been asked before, so sorry for the retread. I couldn't find anything on it. Anyway, I'm getting ready to do a head gasket on my 99 SE and I'm pretty sure that it has Torque To Yield head bolts on it. However, every place I've seen has that sells head bolts have ones that only go up to 98 for the Altima. The shop manual doesn't say anything about replacing the head bolts, either. So my question is does anyone know if you have to replace the head bolts on this engine when doing a head gasket repair? And if so, where can I find aftermarket head bolts for the newer engine? I would think the bolts for up to 98 would be the same, but who knows. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[ukrainetz]

Hmmm, sorry but IMO I'd go with the dealer part... I'd say its too risky to use aftermarket on something like that. But I don't think they need to be replaced.

Here is the diagram
The head bolts are 11056, and it shows that these are on the 98-01 diagrams. Whats more, If you select 93-97 model, it shows identical bolts, so they are the same. However at 4.26 a pop+shipping :ouch:

Good Luck~

[98gle#2]

Originally Posted by ukrainetz

Hmmm, sorry but IMO I'd go with the dealer part... I'd say its too risky to use aftermarket on something like that. But I don't think they need to be replaced.
Good Luck~

Well it is generally recommended that you replace the headbolts.
Aftermarket headstuds/bolts are perfectly safe, no need to pay out the anus for dealer parts.

[steve68]

I reused mine, 98 134K.

[99CherrySE]

Steve68,
Did you have any issues with reusing them? How many miles since you did yours? I'm leaning towards reusing mine as the dealership wanted about 4.50 each bolt and it would take a week or so to get here. Planned on doing it this weekend possibly. Thanks to all for the input. I'll see if I can source the parts on hand somewhere in the Twin Cities. If not, I'll probably reuse the old bolts.

[steve68]

About 3K miles so far, no problems at all head torqued up just fine, I'd reuse them,

I have a 88 BMW M3, the head bolts are $7.50 my price, over the counter is about $20, and those are one time use,

[ukrainetz]

If you reuse them, make sure you put each one back where they came from. Obviously check all for wear and tear (missing threads, etc...) and replace any that need be. If any give at all during re-tightening (torque drops), stop immediately and back off. That one will need a replacement. Believe me, drilling bolts out of the head is not a good way to spend a weekend!

Leaks will usually develop not from bad bolts, but incorrect re-tightening. Make sure you torque them very evenly, and gradually.

Best of luck!~

[chuck34gboro]

if you don't have over 100k miles and the engine didn't overheat, you'll probably be ok. just make sure you get someone to trace tap the holes to clean them out. if you can't find anybody with the right tap, you can spray some carb cleaner in the holes and let it sit for a few minutes, blow it out with compressed air. then lube up the original bolts with lucas and run them all the way back in slowly them repeat the process.

if you got over 100k on the motor or the head warped from overheating, the bolts are probably stretched and should be replaced. it this case, you should probably take it to a machine shop to have them trace the threads.

[99CherrySE]

Well, good news! I found a dealer in the Cities that had 30 on hand that was NOS for 3.82 a piece. I ended up getting the 10 bolts just so I wouldn't have to worry about it. Thanks to all for the replies! It looks like I'll have to do it next weekend, though... :-(

[Asleep]

u should have been able to measure them as well. there was a measurement for the bolts on my sr and everyone of them was well within the limits.